What does one say as the Old Year ends, before the New Year begins?

Recently I attended a Ladies’ morning where a testimony was given by one lady who stands on Scripture as she prays. She had some wonderful stories to share with us. So as we look ahead to 2019 I would like to pray for you from Scripture. And I have been lead to Paul’s words in  Romans 12:9-21 which I pray will guide and bless you, and help you to define your path for the New Year.

Dear Ones, in the coming year and the years that follow, may your love be sincere.

May you turn away from evil and hold firm to what is good.

May you love one another.

May you find a way to put yourself in second place and give others honour.

May you stay strong and continue to serve the Lord with enthusiasm.

May you hope with joy; pray always; and be patient when life seems to turn against you.

May you share your blessings with others, for you yourself have been blessed to be a blessing.

May you open your homes to those who need a haven, a place to stay, a cup of tea, a shoulder to cry on.

May you bless those who oppose you with gentle words.

May you be happy with those who are celebrating; and cry with those who are grieving.

May you live at peace with one another.

May you be willing to mingle and work with those who are not as blessed as you have been.

May any signs of pride melt away.

May you step aside and allow God to avenge any wrongdoings, for this is His work, not yours.

May God give you the love to reach out to those who have hurt you.

May you walk the talk of your faith and take care you do not treat those ones as they have treated you.

As far as you are able, may you live at peace with everyone.

And may the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now, and forevermore. Amen.