Saturday, December 31, 2011

Dearest God,

What do I say to you, Great God, for the gifts of your living spirit in this year of 2011?  You have rained down your blessings upon me.  You have touched my heart and inspired me with your daily presence.  You have increased my faith, forgiven my sins, poured your grace upon me, flooded me with love, provided challenges and insights, corrected and discipled me, and given me so many visions of your loveliness.

Daily you cleaned out the debris in my soul reminding me that too much clutter in my life can lead to trouble.  You swept away the cobwebs of neglect allowing me to keep a fresh home for you.  You checked out the corners looking for even the tiniest rootings of anger, resentment, or bitterness.  When you found anything you gently pulled them free and placed them on the pile for recovery.  You kept the doors to my heart open whispering to me that an open heart will be ready to receive and give even though at times it will be hurt because that's what happens when you love.

As I continued to live out my commitment in my covenant group, you asked for an accounting of my soul's activities.  Wherever and whenever necessary you nudged me to make changes, to allow your transforming power to take hold of areas I tried to keep hidden from you and myself.  You challenged me to be more than I was.

This year you taught me the lessons of prayer, how I need to trust in you and rely upon you. You called me out when I tried to take your place.  You resettled my life and revealed to me a new level of priority.  You sang me the song of redemption and directed me to sing it too.You showed me how love can heal, guide, help, renew, restore, and reconcile.  You made sure I remembered that you are the power that makes all things new.

As I now look upon the countless many gifts that are mine, I literally overflow with gratitude.

Gracious and Merciful God,
take your
rightful place
in the center
of my faith,
my soul,
and my life.
Continually keep me
in my place
so that
I may keep
my eyes
upon you.
Make my
daily offerings
a testament
of faith
so that
I too
may be
a witness
to your
great love
in the cosmos.
This is
my grateful prayer
as I leave
the old year behind
and step
into the
near year ahead.

Love always, Andrea