A Prayer for a New Year

     From The Valley of Vision, a collection of old Puritan prayers, a New Year's prayer I'm praying:

O Lord,
Length of days does not profit me
   except the days are passed in Thy presence,
   in Thy service, to Thy glory.
Give me a grace that precedes, follows, guides,
   sustains, sanctifies, aids every hour,
 that I may not be one moment apart from Thee,
 but may rely on Thy Spirit
   to supply every thought,
   speak in every word,
   direct every step,
   prosper every work,
   build up every mote of faith,
   and give me a desire
     to show forth Thy praise;
     to testify Thy love,
     advance Thy kingdom.
I launch my bark on the unknown waters
    of this year,
   with Thee, O Father, as my harbor,
     Thee , O Son, at my helm,
     Thee, O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.
Guide me to heaven with my loins girt,
     my lamp burning,
     my ear open to Thy calls,
     my heart full of love,
     my soul free.
Give me Thy grace to sanctify me,
     Thy comforts to cheer,
     Thy wisdom to teach,
     Thy right hand to guide,
     Thy counsel to instruct,
     Thy law to judge,
     Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear be my awe,
     Thy triumphs my joy.

     Amen, Lord,
     We have no idea what this new year holds--and I've learned that's a good thing.  Because if we were to know, we'd think, "That will destroy us.  We could never handle that."  But if and when that hard thing comes, trust me, God is able, and He can and will carry you through whatever challenges and difficulties this new year will bring.  And whatever triumphs and joys as well.
     So might this Puritan's prayer be our own.  As we stand at the dawn of this new year, might our eyes be on the far horizon... not just to start it well, but to finish it strong in faith.  In our ever-faithful Father.
     To God be the glory.