God of all time,
who makes all things new,
we bring before you the year now ending.
For life full and good,
for opportunities recognized and taken,
for love known and shared,
we thank you.
Where we have fallen short,
forgive us.
When we worry over what is past,
free us.
As we begin again
and take our first steps into the future,
where nothing is safe and certain
except you,
we ask for the courage of the wise men
who simply went and followed a star.
We ask for their wisdom,
in choosing to pursue the deepest truth,
not knowing where they would be led.
In the year to come, God of all time,
be our help and company.
Hold our hands as we journey onwards
and may your dream of shalom
where all will be at peace,
be our guiding star.
Francis Brienen, published in The SPCK Book of Christian Prayer 1995
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