A brand new month – the final month of the 12 months!
And pardon me for being trite, Lord, however
The place did 2022 go?
Was what appears a short while, sufficient time
for all the enjoyment that got here my means
– and all of the grief my coronary heart encountered?
Too many occasions I stated goodbye
to these I beloved and cherished
so many occasions, that now typically
farewell’s all I keep in mind…
However earlier than and in-between, Lord
there have been good occasions, smiles and laughter;
there have been peaceable hours collectively
and days of carefree surprise;
moments of wonderful grace
and blessings massive and small…
However now it is nearly time, Lord,
to bid goodbye to 2022…
As I look again and survey the previous 12 months’s
days and weeks and months,
open vast my coronary heart to joys I knew
in addition to to the moments
if you gently took my hand in yours,
held me in your open arms
and softly wiped my tears away…
Make me grateful, Lord,
for any time, for each time,
my ups and downs, my joys and sorrows
introduced me near you…
Free me once I’m captive to my previous
and open me to new beginnings;
heal my reminiscences, Lord,
and lead me ever ahead
to all you maintain in retailer for me..
I pray that within the 12 months forward
I will have the grace to seek out you
at each twist and switch,
in good occasions and in dangerous,
trusting as I did,
all by way of the 12 months close to previous
that each one issues shall be nicely, Lord,
that with you, all shall be nicely...
Defend me, Lord, whereas I am awake
and watch over me whereas I sleep
that awake, I would preserve watch with you
and asleep, relaxation in your peace…
Amen.
Creation Blessing
composed by Michael Joncas and Alan Hommerding
