2^nd January 2012

A PRAYER at the END and the BEGINNING of a YEAR

(Sent to the Rev John Mallison by Dr Leighton Ford in the U.S.A.)

Give me Lord, I pray:
A remembering heart for the things that have happened
An attentive heart to what I have learned
A forgiving heart for what has hurt
A grateful heart for what has blessed
A brave heart for what may be required
An open heart to all that may come
A trusting heart to go forth with you
A loving heart for you and all your creation
A longing heart for the reconciliation of all things
A willing heart to say "Yes" to what you will.

Perry Smith adds two verses of Hymn 954 in the Methodist Hymn Book
Another year is dawning: Dear Master, let it be,
in working or in waiting, another year for Thee.
Another year of mercies, another year of grace,
another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
- by Frances Ridley Havergal