Daily Devotions - Wednesday, December 31

The End of the Year

“Come, behold the works of the Lord”
--Psalm 46:8a

As the year of 2008 ends, I’d like to share a 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.

Holy God,
As we reflect, we realize
That your steadfast love has embraced us,
That your strength 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 all 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 have sustained us.
For this year of 2008, we thank you.
For the year of 2009, we ask for your light and your hope to guide us in the way of peace.


A benediction for the year 2008:
And now unto 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
12.31.08