Happy New Year! 2026 is here. Watching the news, I am very conscious that we bring all the joys and sorrrows of 2025 with us. Our prayers as this New Year begins will be for the people and places who have been on hearts for months and years. The good news is that God is with us. He listens to every one of our prayers of longing. Each is valuable to him. Our prayers are gifts that are wanted - welcome - useful to him. It is how he inspires us to be his lights in the world's darkness. Each of our life experiences are precious to him. He can use them to transform the world around us.
We see this mostly clearly in this prayer by Terry Waite. 35 years ago, Terry was spending his fourth New Year alone as a hostage in Lebanon. Years on from his release, he wrote this compassionate prayer of thankfulness. Because of his own experiences, he understands the suffering of others. As you pray this prayer, ponder how your own life experiences help you to pray with those who are yearning for joy and love, peace and justice.
May you feel how God is using your prayers to bless others and yourself too.
O Lord:
In a world where many are lonely:
we thank you for our friendships.
In a world where many are captive:
we thank you for our freedom.
In a world where many are hungry:
we thank you for your provision.
We pray that you will:
enlarge our sympathy,
deepen our compassion,
and give us grateful hearts.
In Christ's name.
Amen.
Terry Waite
May you feel wanted - welcome - useful in 2026. You are one of God's precious and beloved children.
God bless,
Revd Katrina