Gracious God, please give me
A few friends who understand me and remain my friends;
A work to do which has real value,
Without which the world would be poorer;
A mind unafraid to travel, even though the trail not be blazed;
An understanding heart;
A sense of humor;Time for quiet, silent meditation;
A feeling of the presence of God;
The patience to wait for the coming of these things,
With the wisdom to recognize them when they come. Amen.
These were the closing words we said at the New Year's Eve service where we wrote our concerns, fears, hurts on a piece of paper, and then released them in a burning bowl as we left. It is one of my favorite traditions at our church. Many share this feeling with me, and we all suppose we actually may be Druids. And that is okay with us....
May your year be filled with peace, prosperity and love.
17 comments:
I love your church. It's beautiful and rich in traditions like this. I love how it fills your soul.
Happy New Year, my friend. If I didn't live almost four hours away, I'd be there at church with you now.
I love it. I've seen some ridiculous prayers floating around the Internet lately, treating God like He's a genie. This one is beautiful and heart felt. Thanks for sharing!
This is beautiful and I do have to note that many of your prayers are already being answered. May God continue to bless you sweet friend ♥♥♥
...Amen.
...Lovely photo too! I like Kate wishes I lived closer too as I would attend services with you. What a lovely thing to do for the New Year... :o)
...Wishing you the joys that life has to offer in the New Year and many, many blessings too... :o)
What a great tradition and a wonderful way to start the year.
Lovely New Year's Prayer. :)
what a wonderful tradition! I think I would enjoy attending your church...and the prayer is perfect!
Wishing you a Happy New Year!
I want to start a tradition like that!
Absolutely lovely, and honest and spirit - filled.
Happy New Year!!
I love the prayer, as well as the ceremony. It sounds so beautiful. We did that same ceremony a few years back once on a mission trip to Guatemala. I found it so releasing and peaceful.
Hope you have a VERY Happy New Year, my blogging fellow Mama! :)
What a lovely thought! I love your church and its traditions! Wishing you the happiest of new years!
What a wonderful tradition. Literally letting your concerns "go up in smoke" as you start the new year.
Great words...thank you for sharing, and Happy New Year!
How Beautiful!
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I remembered you talking about doing this last year and I LOVED THIS TRADITION........I love this prayer......and I love you my friend....HAPPY NEW YEAR'S to you and may you be given all of the richest blessings and joys the good Lord has in store for you and yours....
Such a beautiful prayer, and lovely tradition in your church. I wish you great peace and lots of love! :)
I've been playing catch up, happy blogiversary btw, and found this post not only fun but inspirational as well. What a wonderful idea for a NY program. Wishing you the very best 2011!
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