New Year's Prayer
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December 29, 2023In an effort to extend the liturgies of the Church to the domestic church, that is, your own homes, I invite you to gather at the table or at the Christmas tree or manger scene and pray this as a family on New Year’s Eve.
All make the sign of the cross.
The leader begins:Let us praise the Lord of days and seasons and years, saying: Glory to God in the highest!All respond:And peace to his people on earth!
The leader introduces:Our lives are made of days and nights, of seasons and years, for we are part of a universe of suns and moons and planets. We mark ends and we make beginnings and, in all, we praise God for the grace and mercy that fill our days.
Then the Scripture is read. Use your Bible and look for Book of Genesis 1:14-19 or Psalm 90:1-4.
Then the reader concludes with:The Word of the Lord.All respond:Thanks be to God.
After a time of silence, members of the household offer prayers of thanksgiving for the past year, and of intercession for the year to come. In conclusion, all join hands for the Lord’s Prayer.
Then the leader continues:Let us now pray for God’s blessing in the new year.
After a short silence, parents may place their hands on their children in blessing as the leader says:Remember us, O God; from age to age be our comforter. You have given us the wonder of time, blessings in days and nights, seasons and years. Bless your children at the turning of the year and fill the months ahead with the bright hope that is ours in the coming of Christ. You are our God, living and reigning, forever and ever. Amen.
The leader says:Let us bless the Lord.All respond, making the sign of the cross:Thanks be to God.
The prayer may conclude with the singing of a Christmas carol.
