A Prayer for the New Year, by Lydia Floren

A Prayer for the New Year

by Lydia Floren

Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console;
To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love.
For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. 

Lord, thank you for loving me through the words and actions of those around me.  Thank you for loving me when you have sent someone to:

• Lend a hand with a car stuck in snow.
• Listen to a triumph or heartache.
• Bring a meal.
• Give an unexpected gift.
• Write a message of hope.
• Speak encouragement.
• Give a hug.
• Share a smile.

Thank you that we each have something to give, something that has been given to us, and that we each give to others in our own unique way.