A Prayer for the End of A Year

God, who is beyond all calendars and time, help us intentionally and peacefully draw this year to a close and prepare us to start a new year with hope.

It wasn’t the year we planned and hoped for in January. We were worn out from dealing with Covid, widespread divisiveness and intolerance of differences, and escalating economic uncertainties. In 2022 we were hoping for a year of peace, reconciliation, and rebuilding. Maybe even a return to what we once considered “normal.” But life continued to be hard this year.

As we reflect on this year, we may initially only remember the difficulties, so help us look closer and recall the moments of joy, love, and peace that graced our lives.

Give us patience and empathy to deal with the people we find difficult because they may feel lost, hurt, or lonely.

Give us moments of peace and times of solace to restore our hearts, minds, and souls after all the planning, preparation, and unmet expectations of the holidays.

Help us forgive and let go of the hurts and disappointments we suffered this year. Even if the person we’re angry with is ourselves or even You, God. If we’re not yet ready to forgive, help us move a bit closer to that point.

We’re another year older, so give us increased wisdom to accompany our aging. Help us more clearly see what really matters and give us the courage to let go of the rest.

In the coldest, darkest days of the year, show us the light still in the world. Life may be hard, but if we’re attentive, we can find moments of comfort and joy intermixed with hardship.

Inspire us to be a source of Your light and love to others. As we receive Your grace and love, help us be prisms, reflecting and focusing that love on all we encounter.

Amen