Reflect

Legendary UN Secretary General Dag Hammarskjold gave a prayer that describes the New Year: “For all that has been—thanks! For all that shall be—yes!” On this New Year’s Day, for what are you thankful in the past year? What are your dreams—your “yes”—for the year to come?

Pray

Faithful God, whose love is changeless and whose mercies are new every morning,
I thank you for the gifts of 2022; I thank you for your presence in success and failure,
and for your inspiration in tough and joyful times.
Help me to say yes to the future, to the possibilities of 2023, to choose life and love,
and bring your yes to persons in need and to a world in need of healing.
Amen.

Act

Let us spend this New Year’s Day rejoicing with friends and family, watching the parades and games, and more importantly, giving thanks for God’s blessings and opening our hearts to God’s future for us. Take time to say yes today to possibilities and bring God’s yes to those around you.