A New Year’s Day Prayer

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A dear friend gave me this journal, which I started using this morning. At the top of each page, there is a Scripture verse on which to focus. The verse for today, January 1, is from the Old Testament book, Jeremiah: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).

The following poem is my response to this promise from God. Perhaps you may want to use it as your prayer. Or better yet, read the Scripture and write your own prayer response.

The meaning of the word “prosperity” in this text refers to our total well-being, based on the original Hebrew word “shalom”. (Thanks to my husband for his contribution, here.)

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 I thank you, Lord, for morning light
 For peaceful sleep throughout the night,
 For all your goodness this past year,
 And hope to face the one that’s here.
  
 Lord, I believe you are honest;
 I can depend on your promise.
 Prosperity will come to me,
 If I obey you, every day—
  
 Acknowledging my need for you,
 In everything I plan to do.
 In all my ways and all my days
 I want my works to bring you praise.
  
 I will receive your wise instruction,
 Listen to your kind correction,
 Joyfully, do the things you show me
 Faithfully, write the words you give me
  
 I thank you, Lord, for morning light
 For peaceful sleep throughout the night,
 For all your goodness this past year,
 With hope, I face the one that’s here. 

 Jane Ault
 1/1/2019