Almighty God, Sustainer of all things, Lord of the seasons and the years, Controller of the times and calendars, we pause to say thank you for life, breath, provision, and protection over the past year.

Thank you for faithful partners in prayer and ministry, thank you for family and loved ones, thank you for helping us through a tough year. We recognize that we would not be here without you.

We declare aloud that you are our God and we love you. You are great and good, mighty and merciful, strong and compassionate, powerful and loving. While we may not understand you nor why you do what you do, we know you will not fail us. As you have been faithful in the past, you will remain who you are—Lord of heaven and earth.

We confess we are fearful creatures needing reassurance about what lies ahead in the unknown. We come to you with uncertainty, questions, and anxiety, but also with faith, hope, and resolve to forge ahead. For we know you never change and so you will again show your goodness and grace to your children and your world.

As we take our first steps into this new year, shepherd us through the maze, tell us the way to go, flood our hearts with peace, strengthen us for the journey, and be with us when pain arrives.

For every new challenge, give us grace. For every unexpected loss, give us comfort. For every unplanned change, give us strength. For every undeserved joy, give us gratitude.

With your help and counsel, we will follow you wherever you lead. We will trust you for daily provision. We will fix our eyes on you. And we will believe that you will complete the good work you have begun in us.

We desire to continue working with you, Lord God, to build your kingdom in our corner of the globe in this new year of 2022.