A New Year’s Prayer

                                                           YEARS END
 
    O love beyond compare, Thou art good when thou givest, when Thou takest away, when the sun shines upon me, when night gathers over me.
    Thou hast loved me before the foundation of the world, and in love didst redeem my soul; Thou dost love me still, in spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, and distrust.
    Thy goodness has been with me during another year, leading me through a twisting wilderness, in retreat helping me in advance, when beaten back making sure headway.
    Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead; I hoist sail and draw anchor, with Thee as the blessed pilot of my future as of the past. I bless Thee that Thou hast veiled my eyes to the water ahead.
    If Thou hast appointed storms of tribulation, Thou will be with me in them; if I have to pass through tempest of persecution and temptation, I shall not drown.
    If I am to die, I shall see Thy face the sooner, if a painful end is to be my lot, grant me grace that my faith fail not; if I am to be cast aside from the service I love, I can make no stipulation;
    Only glorify thyself in me whether in comfort or trial, as a chosen vessel meet always for Thy use.
 
From The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotion