Sunday, December 28, 2008

Looking toward the New Year

PRAISE FOR THE PAST

Psalm 103:1-5

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me,

bless His holy Name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none

of His benefits: Who pardons all your iniquities, Who heals all

your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns

you with lovingkindness and compassion, Who satisfies your years

with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

PRAYER FOR THE FUTURE

Leona Choy

HERE I AM, LORD—

As a new year dawns, I’m still on Planet Earth!

But You know that—You know all things

When You chose me long ago to follow You

You designed my destiny, planned my life

Ordained the number of my years: fourscore—and more!

How generous You are, Lord, to bless me abundantly

Allowing me to see my children grown to their maturity

And the children of my children—now their children too!

Why am I still here? Not to coast to a finish!

If Your plan for me is still incomplete

May I keep growing beyond where I’ve attained

Pressing onward, upward to heights Your love draws me

To become conformed to the image of Your Son

Your will fulfilled in me according to Your word.

I want to bear more sweet fruit for You this year

And continue to flourish like the aging palm tree

Though my outward flesh is weary, worn, and weak

Renew my inward youth daily with new vigor

Strengthen me to mount up with wings as the eagle

And not lose heart, grow faint, or be diminished in spirit

So that I may finish life’s race without stumbling

*ad majorem Dei gloriam.

(2 Cor. 4:16-18; Isaiah 40:28-31; John 15:1-8; Psalm 92:12-15)

* to the greater glory of God

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