Lord, we come to the end of another year keenly aware that you have been involved in the particulars of our lives. We have faced a world of difficulties, heartaches, and pains, but you have encouraged us to survive. You have given us occasions of joy, worship and sweet surprises to motivate us through the struggles of our daily routine. Your Holy Spirit has been the silent partner of our lives. The energy of your love has made our living together an experience of grace.

Lord, it has not been easy to lose our loved ones, hear threats of unemployment, accept misunderstanding and face a bundle of fears. Our faith was hesitant as we waded through the accumulation of events called 2008. Yet, in retrospect we are able to see that no single happening was able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

We must confess, however, the error of our ways. We hang our heads in shame when we contrast your blessings and our behavior during the past year. You have been far better to us, O Lord, than we have been to you and to one another. Help us as we try to repent, and may we never sin away our ability to hope for a holy new year.

Thank you, Lord, for the pain as well as the joy that has contributed to the character of our Christian fellowship. We do not know what the future holds, but we are holding on to the One who holds the future.