As we say good-by to the old and usher in the new year, we do so with grateful hearts. We confess that Your mercy remains from everlasting to everlasting upon those who fear You, and Your righteousness blesses generations to come. Before Your throne we bow this day, seeking Your grace and blessing Your Holy Name. We join all the hosts of heaven to praise You for Your truth and Your righteousness; for You, our God, are holy.
Father, we need your forgiveness for the arrogance of the times in which we live. We know that we are all a part of this arrogance, Lord, for we have all sinned. We have gone our own ways; we have paid no heed to Your voice. When You have called us, we have hidden ourselves within our busyness. We have squeezed so much worldliness into our days that there has been no time left for things eternal. We have allowed ourselves to be deceived into thinking we can live our lives without You. And yet, we know there is no life without You. Have mercy on us, Father, undeserving as we are of Your grace. Give us willing hearts, open arms, and ready hands and feet, that we may seek to do only that which glorifies You.
We give You praise and glory for leading our President throughout his Christmas vacation and any official business conducted from his Texas ranch. Father, we thank You for working in President Bush’s heart to enable him to become the new creation you have promised to make those who accept Jesus Christ as their Savior. We are grateful that Your wisdom and guidance have already been granted to him. We know that You have begun a good work in him and that You will be faithful to complete it. Thank You that You will work all things for his good because he loves You, Father, and because You have called him according to Your purpose. Father, please show President Bush the way to carry out a God-pleasing, God-honoring agenda for the American people in the coming year.
Father, let Your Spirit rest upon our soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thank You for Your protection of them and Your presence in their camps. We ask that You would give those who know You the courage to share the Gospel with those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ. May this time away from family and friends lead them to the revelation of Your love and Your goodness.
Gracious God, may Your truth burn within our churches. May Your Spirit convict all those who have attempted to twist Your Word in order to accept those behaviors which You have condemned. Help us to be restored to You, that we may walk with You, and that we may rejoice in Your salvation. Make us to trust in You alone, that we may not be shifted to and fro with every wind of doctrine, but remain calm, serene, and centered in Your love and Your truth. We proclaim Your faithfulness to this nation and its people as we ask You to make 2006 a year of great revival in America. In the Name of Jesus Christ, our King, Amen.
Blessings to all who pause here to pray. As a branch of the Vine, may you bear much fruit for His Kingdom in the New Year.
St John 3:16......3:14.....
2nd Timothy 2:8..........Titus 1:2
May God bless you and your family in the coming year!
Amazing, I have that very picture of the rose saved to disk here.
Amy Carmichael, when she was in India years ago, was trying to encourage a woman who had lost her husband, but the woman was crushed. The conversation fell silent as Amy didn't know what else to say, and the woman became engrossed in examining a flower in a vase on the table between them. Amy watched her, and after a while simply said, "He made that".
That was all she needed to say. The human spirit knows that nothing that exquisite could possibly be an accident. There has to be a loving, sovereign God, despite all the sin and suffering on earth, whose identity stamp was on that flower. Light entered the woman's soul, and hope was born anew. Her soul had once again found its anchor, and she had courage to move forward with her life.
God has ways of reaching each of us, even without words. We are inscribed on the palms of His hands, and nothing can snatch us away.
May all who pray here receive refreshment and encouragement, and strength and wisdom for the challenges ahead. I believe in my spirit the trials of '06 were preparation, and that the coming year is going to be one of mighty breakthroughs for many, and for the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ.
Paul
The Lord is Gracious, and Full of Compassion; Slow to Anger, and of Great Mercy.(Ps.145:8)
Our Lord Bless you All Abundantly in 2006.