Shared during Sunday Worship on January 14, 2024.
God, Alpha and Omega, in Your grace, You gift us new beginnings and clean slates. Thank You for this new year and the fresh start it affords us all. Even for those of us who have been unsure of how to begin, or perhaps have been too afraid to take a step, You have soothingly reassured us saying, “behold I do a new thing … I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert!” For the shining fire of such Good News, God, we stand in awe and extol Your glorious name!
Many of us carry in our hearts resolutions and ambitions for the year 2024. Empower us, God, by Your Spirit to remain faithful in every godly endeavour. Prosper us in our homes, schools, workplaces, and vicinities and equip us to break free from all unhelpful and unhealthy habits in our personal lives. You are the God of all flesh, is there anything too hard for You?
God of Peace, we implore You to fill our world with Your peace, that which surpasses human understanding. Where there is disaster, may Your rescuing hands redeem; where there is deadlock and division, may lasting peace break through; where there is hunger and emptiness, may abundance and fullness arise. Jesus, our Prince of Peace, wipe out our world’s hate and disharmony and make us like You, just and peace-loving.
Faithful God, may it please You to use those of us gathered here and the global church to further Your work in the earth. Through us, may the shining light of the gospel traverse the nations of our world as the waters cover the sea. Thank You in Jesus’ name we pray. Amen!