Daily Devotions - Friday 12.28.07

CLOSING OUT ANOTHER YEAR

“Looking Back and Looking Forward”

As the year of 2007 nears its end, I share this prayer of thanksgiving and a benediction. The rhythms of the year have varied for each of us; still we continue to move forward, sharing our gifts with one another and those we serve.

Holy God,
We reflect and realize
That your steadfast love has empowered us
and
That your peace has comforted us.

We praise you for the mysteries of life and trust in your infinite wisdom.
We praise you for the order and constancy of nature.
We thank you for the comforts and joys we experience.
We thank you especially for home, friends and family.

We thank you for the gifts you give us
and
We thank you for the love, sympathy, prayers and support that sustain us.
For the year of 2007, we thank you.
For the year of 2008, we ask for your light and hope to guide us in the way of peace.

A benediction for the year:
And now to the One who is able to keep us from falling,
And lift us from the dark valley of despair to the bright mountain of hope,
From the midnight of desperation to the daybreak of joy;
To God be power and authority forever and ever. Amen.

Ben Keckler
12.28.07