Happy New Year from Zion Lutheran Church
PRAYERS FOR THE NEW YEAR AND THE ONE JUST PAST
Lord God, we praise You for sending Your Son in our flesh to fulfill the Law on our behalf. We thank You that although we sin much, He is our righteousness and peace. Thank You for the countless blessings You have given this past year — for the whole of our lives, our well-being and that You do not withhold from us Your saving Word. Teach us to number our days so that the blessings and distractions of this life never turn our hearts from You. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Eternal God, You have been our dwelling place in every generation, but our years pass quickly. As this year draws to a close, prepare our hearts for Your Son’s return. Forgive the sins of this past year — those we know and those unknown to us. Heal any division in our families, friendships and in this church, and keep us faithful to Christ our Lord in the coming year, repentant of our sins and confident in His mercy and truth. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Gracious Father, calm the hearts of those who look to the future with foreboding or fear, rather than with confidence and hope. For all who face illness, pain and suffering, and those to whom death draws near, give the peace that only You can give. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
O God, bless this land in the new year. Give us honest work, effective education and leaders of good character. Save us from violence and discord, bringing a common purpose and harmony where there is division. As we elect new officials in the coming year, guide us to make wise decisions and establish policies and laws that serve the common good. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Lord Jesus, by Your incarnation You joined divinity to humanity and humanity to divinity. Keep far from us all doubts about You, knowing that as the God-Man You have won our salvation. Give us faith in Your promises, and make us worthy, through simple faith, to eat and drink Your body and blood for our forgiveness. Lord, in Your mercy, hear our prayer.
Into Your hands, O Lord, we commend ourselves and all for whom we pray, trusting in Your mercy, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
