Heavenly Father,
As we enter 2013, we thank you for the blessings we received in 2012. Some started a new chapter of their lives through the beginning of a new job or relationship, the birth of a child or a marriage. Some did not personally receive these things, but were blessed enough to celebrate with friends who did. Some were given the blessing of new experiences, such as travel and learning new skills. One thing we are all thankful for is that the world did not end last month, so we are still around to glorify You and continue the work You have put us here to do.
This year also brought sadness for many. Two shooting rampages shocked America and left grieving families and friends. We lift up those who lost loved ones and ask that You continue to be with them and comfort them in this season of loss. Help them also to find it in their hearts to forgive the young perpetrators and to trust that although the reason why will never be clear this side of heaven, You still love them and still have a plan to use this for Your glory. Please also be with the young men who committed these crimes. Help them to get to know Your love and forgiveness. No one is ever too far gone to receive forgiveness, and we ask that You reach out Your hand to those young men so that they may know this.
As we begin the year, help us to make resolutions that we can stick to. Help us remember when we hit a setback that a setback is not the end of the world. When we make a mistake, help us to not get discouraged and quit, but rather energize us to keep working toward our goal. In all we say and do and everywhere we go help us to be a light to those who don't know You so that when they look at us they see You living through us. Lead us down the paths You have set before us so that at all times, we will be living in the center of Your will.
In Your Son's holy name we pray,
Amen
As we enter 2013, we thank you for the blessings we received in 2012. Some started a new chapter of their lives through the beginning of a new job or relationship, the birth of a child or a marriage. Some did not personally receive these things, but were blessed enough to celebrate with friends who did. Some were given the blessing of new experiences, such as travel and learning new skills. One thing we are all thankful for is that the world did not end last month, so we are still around to glorify You and continue the work You have put us here to do.
This year also brought sadness for many. Two shooting rampages shocked America and left grieving families and friends. We lift up those who lost loved ones and ask that You continue to be with them and comfort them in this season of loss. Help them also to find it in their hearts to forgive the young perpetrators and to trust that although the reason why will never be clear this side of heaven, You still love them and still have a plan to use this for Your glory. Please also be with the young men who committed these crimes. Help them to get to know Your love and forgiveness. No one is ever too far gone to receive forgiveness, and we ask that You reach out Your hand to those young men so that they may know this.
As we begin the year, help us to make resolutions that we can stick to. Help us remember when we hit a setback that a setback is not the end of the world. When we make a mistake, help us to not get discouraged and quit, but rather energize us to keep working toward our goal. In all we say and do and everywhere we go help us to be a light to those who don't know You so that when they look at us they see You living through us. Lead us down the paths You have set before us so that at all times, we will be living in the center of Your will.
In Your Son's holy name we pray,
Amen
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