Start of the year prayer

Sunday 15th January 2023

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I hope it is not too late to commend to you a prayer you may usefully pray at the start of this new year.  It comes from The Valley of Vision, a collection of Puritan prayers and devotions which I would highly recommend.  These lines are taken from a prayer with the appropriate title ‘Year’s End’:

O love beyond compare…
Thy goodness has been with me during another year,
leading me through a twisting wilderness,
in retreat helping me to advance,
when beaten back making sure headway.
Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead;
I hoist sail and draw up anchor,
with thee as the blessed Pilot of my future as of my past…
Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial,
as a chosen vessel meet always for thy use.  Amen.

Yours warmly, in Christ,
Chris Hobbs (Senior Minister)