Compassionate and Living God,

Thank You for this New Year.

Thank You for the past years.

Thank You for the future beckoning us…

We commend our hopes and dreams

To Your gracious and caring Spirit.

Comfort those who feel forsaken,

Confront those who arrogantly wield power.

Enable us to embrace the least of our sisters and brothers, giving witness to those different from us.

This New Year, grant us courage to dare, to take risk, to reach out while patiently observing health protocols.

We pray for the healing of all, of the world, of creation.

We bless Your name forever and ever.

In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Dr. Elizabeth S. Tapia is a theologian from the Philippines. She is a retired missionary and former professor of Theology, Bible, and Mission at John Wesley C Divinity School in the Philippines and has served as Director of Mission Theology at the Global Board of Global Ministries at the United Methodist Church, USA.