Prayer for a Hopeful New Year

God of the years, our Heavenly Father, whatever the message of the old year may have been, whether of darkness or light, joy or sorrow,—we stand this morning waiting expectantly and confidently for some message with glad tidings. May we therefore enter upon the New Year in the mood of hope and good cheer,—brushing from our faces every sign of care, let us go forth into the New Year with the spirit of a child who puts his hand into the hand of a Father to be led into a field where the flowers blossom and the birds sing. Not for today only do we pray for sweetness and light, but let us be glad and happy every day. Thou art with us today,—Thou wilt be with us through all the journey of the year. May our own daily gladness be born of the conviction that Thou art always near. In Jesus’ name. Amen.