Lord, make the new year a happy one…
Not by shielding us from sorrow and pain, but by strengthening us to bear it if it comes.
Not by taking hardships from us, but by taking all cowardice and fear from our hearts as we meet hardships.
Not by making our paths easy, but by making us sturdy enough to tread any path.
Not by granting unbroken sunshine, but by keeping our faces bright even in the shadows.
Not by making our lives always pleasant, but by showing us where others and your cause need us most and by making us zealous by being there and to help…
God, make our year a happy one.
-Faith Lutheran Church
Portland, OR.