The Dawn of Another Year

Well, we have come to the beginning of another one. Another sunrise of a calendar year. This time we once again have a number that is divisible by four--which always helps us remember that it's a leap year, an election year, and an olympic year. Our calendars are fresh and new, as are our hopes and dreams. We don't know what we'll encounter this next 366 days, as is the case each time January 1st comes around. Following is my prayer for the year--the same one that Frances Ridley Havergal had years ago when she wrote this hymn. A dear friend of mine sent this same hymn to me at the beginning of last year and now I'm sharing it with you as my hope for you as well.

May God grant each one who stops by and reads this post a blessed and Christ-filled 2008.

Another year is dawning:

Dear Father, let it be,

In working or in waiting,

Another year with Thee;

Another year of progress,

Another year of praise,

Another year of proving

Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies,

Of faithfulness and grace;

Another year of gladness

In the shining of Thy face;

Another year of leaning

Upon Thy loving breast;

Another year of trusting,

Of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service,

Of witness for Thy love;

Another year of training

For holier work above.

Another year is dawning;

Dear Father, let it be,

On earth or else in heaven,

Another year for Thee.

~Frances Ridley Havergal (1836-1879)