Loving Father,

You are the Lord of our history;
our yesterdays,  todays and tomorrows.
We join all of creation in giving you praise and thanks for the year behind us
and for the days you give us in the year ahead.

We ask you to bless the gift of this new year,
and through your grace,
help us be good stewards of the time
You have so graciously entrusted to us.

Forgive us for any misuse of days past,
and show us how to use
Your gift of days
in a more loving and generous way.

Fill us with Your compassion,
that we may do our part to bring about a more just and non-violent world,
and to care for the most vulnerable among us.

And open our hearts to the Good News,
so that we too may share it
with more passion, inspiration and joy.

We ask this through your Son, Jesus Christ,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
One God forever and ever.

Amen.