Morning Prayer at the Close of the Year

O Lord, my God, the Father of all mercies! As I now open my eyes, I behold the light of day for the last time in a year in which I have most clearly experienced, that Thou art gracious and full of compassion, longsuffering, and plenteous in goodness and truth. Not a day, yea, not an hour of the vanishing year has passed away, in which Thou has not manifested one or all of these attributes toward me.

Thou hast been gracious to me. For without any merit or worthiness on my part, Thou hast showered Thy benefits upon me. Thou hast supplied me with food and drink, nourished me, and granted me every needful gift. Whenever I have called upon Thee. Thou hast forgiven me all my sins and transgressions for Jesus’ sake. Thou hast graciously taken away all the punishment which I deserved by my wickedness, trespasses, and sins, and hast not rewarded me according to my iniquities, but hast, instead, poured out salvation and blessing upon me.

Thou hast also been full of compassion, as well as gracious, toward me. No need or distress or trouble came upon me, but Thy Father-heart melted in pity and compassion. When the need w^as greatest, Thy help was nearest. Scarcely had sorrow visited me, when Thou begannest to turn my sorrow into joy. Scarcely did I cry unto Thee, when Thou heardest me. Yea, often before I cried. Thou didst send relief.

And O, merciful God, with what longsuffering and patience Thou hast borne with me this year! When I fell through weakness, Thou didst forbear. When I erred in my haste. Thou forgavest my debt of sin. When I strayed from Thee but returned in true repentance, Thou didst receive me again. What a wealth of patience and longsuffering Thou hast revealed toward me!

Even so hast Thou shown by Thy dealings with me that Thou art plenteous in goodness. Thou hast spared my life and preserved me in health, so that I, more than many others, have reason to praise and magnify Thy love, and to say, Thou hast done all things well.

And behind all Thy dealings with me is Thy truth. Thou fulfillest all the promises which Thou hast made, and all Thy works are done in truth. In Thy faithfulness Thou hast showered so many mercies upon me, that I cannot enumerate them all. What shall I render to Thee, O Lord, for all Thy benefits to me? I cannot repay Thee. Therefore mercifully accept my imperfect stammerings as a thank-offering. Thanks be to Thee for all Thy truth, for all Thy goodness, for all Thy longsuffering, for all Thy compassion, for all Thy grace. Deal with me in the future as Thou hast dealt with me in the past. Let me spend this day in Thy fear, that today, as well as through all eternity, I may praise and magnify Thy name. Amen.