Year End

Lord, as this year draws to a close, teach me how precious time is.  Let me never put off till tomorrow those words of love and forgiveness that I need to say today.  (Minute Meditations from the Popes, 31 December)

Lord, I look forward to the new year, and all the blessings it will bring.  (Wisdom from the Bible, 31 December, adapted)

Thank you, Lord, for all you did this year ... and all you will do in the next. (Joni Eareckson Tada, More Precious Than Silver, 31 December)

I give thanks that all my needs are being met - emotional, spiritual, and physical.  I live in peaceful harmony - body, mind, and soul.  (Perry Tilleraas, The Color of Light, 23 December)

Hear my prayer and come to save me.

Lord, help me find and share the positive in any situation.  (Three Minutes a Day, Vol. 38, 25 December)

Lord, thank You for this day and all it offers.  I am at peace.  (The Promise of a New Day, 22 December, adapted)

Suggest all my decisions.

Keep me from sinful ways.

Lord, may I heed the danger signals that you send.  (Food For Thought, 23 December)

Help us to see that in doing Your will our lives will not only be blessed, but they will be abundant.  (Moravian Daily Texts - 2001, 22 December)

Holiday Prayer

God, help me enjoy and cherish this holiday.  If my situation is less than ideal, help me take what's good and let go of the rest.  (Melody Beattie, The Language of Letting Go, 25 December)

Thank You, Lord, for satisfying my needs and helping me grow old gracefully.  (Larry W. Wilson, Daily Fellowship with God, 14 December)

What Child Is This?

What child is this, who, laid to rest, on Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the king, whom shepherds guard and angels sing;
Haste, haste to bring him laud, the babe, the son of Mary!