Prayer for the New Year

                                   O LOVE BEYOND COMPARE


Thou art good when thou givest,
     when thou takest away
     when the sun shines upon me,
     when night gathers over me.

Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world,
     and in love did redeem my soul;


Thou dost love me still,
     in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, distrust.

Thy goodness has been with me during another year,
    leading me through a twisting wilderness,
         in retreat helping me to advance,
         when beaten back making sure headway.

Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead;
I hoist sail and draw up anchor,


With thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of my past.

I bless thee that thou hast veiled my eyes to the waters ahead.

If thou hast appointed storms of tribulation,
     thou will be with me in them;


If I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation,
     I shall not drown.

If I am to die,
     I shall see thy face the sooner;

If a painful end is to be my lot,
     grant me grace that my faith fail not;


Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial,
     as a chosen vessel ready always for thy use.


--From Valley of Vision - Collection of Puritan Prayers