A New Year’s Prayer

When the song of the angels has been stilled

when the star has gone from the night sky

when the kings have reached their far shores

when the shepherds have returned to their flocks

then the work of Christmas really begins

to find those who are lost,

to heal those who are broken in spirit

to feed those who are hungry

to release those who are oppressed

to rebuild the nations torn by strife

to bring peace among all peoples

to bring the Light of the Gospel

into the darkest corners of our world

O Lord, as we begin a new year, remind us of our truest

values and our deepest desires. Help us to live in

the goodness that comes from doing what you want

us to do. Help us to put aside anxiety about the

future and the past, so that we might live in peace

 with you now, one day at a time. 

Amen