Happy New Year!

Hello folks,

Thanks so much for reading this year – and for your prayers, wisdom and support.  They’ve been a lifeline: and it’s a privilege to be part of such a loving and diverse community.

So, as the new year rolls around, whatever 2015 holds, we’re in it together…and thank God, we have a beautiful Saviour who goes ahead of us, carries us and lights the way.

I’m heading off now for some holiday/maternity leave – so there’ll be no usual blog service for a little while, (unless I’m driven to it at 3am, which is a distinct possibility). I’ll leave you (for the moment) with a great Puritan prayer from The Valley of Vision:

O Lord,

I launch my bark on the unknown waters of this year:

With Thee, O Father as my harbour,

Thee, O Son, at my helm,

Thee O Holy Spirit, filling my sails.

Guide me to heaven:

With my loins girt,

My lamp burning,

My ear open to Thy calls,

My heart full of love,

My soul free.

Give me:

Thy grace to sanctify me,

Thy comforts to cheer,

Thy wisdom to teach,

Thy right hand to guide,

Thy counsel to instruct,

Thy law to judge,

Thy presence to stabilize.

May:

Thy fear be my awe,

Thy triumphs my joy.

Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed:

In Thy presence,

In Thy service,

To Thy glory.

Give me a grace that:

Precedes,

Follows,

Guides,

Sustains,

Sanctifies,

Aids every hour,.

That I may not be one moment apart from Thee, but may rely on Thy Spirit:

To supply every thought,

Speak in every word,

Direct every step,

Prosper every work,

Build up every mote of faith.

And give me a desire:

To show forth Thy praise;

Testify Thy love,

And advance Thy kingdom.

Amen.

 

Happy New Year!