O Lord, our Father!
We have gathered here at the turn of the year
because we do not want to be alone but want to be with each other,
and together be united with you.
Our hearts are filled with somber thoughts
as we reflect on our misdeeds of the past year.
And our ears are deafened by the voices of the radio and in the newspapers,
with their numerous predictions for the coming year.
Instead we want to hear your word, your voice, your assurance, your guidance.
We know that you are in our midst,
and are eager to give us all that we need, whether we ask or not.
On this night we ask for one thing only:
that you collect our scattered thoughts,
getting rid of the confused and defiant thoughts that may distract us,
and thus enable us to concentrate on your limitless generosity to us.
You were abundantly generous to us last year,
and will be no less generous to us next year, and in every year to come.
Fill us with gratitude to you.
- Karl Barth
Do you have a source for that? That is a remarkably poignant prayer.
Thanks for sharing it.
Comment by Scott — January 6, 2008 @ 8:06 am
It’s from a handbook of prayers that I have. I’ll post a link to the handbook when I have a chance.
Comment by Trevin Wax — January 6, 2008 @ 8:20 am
Thanks.
Comment by Scott — January 6, 2008 @ 8:21 am
Thanks, Trevin. This would be a good opening prayer to a sermon this evening on Col. 1.1-1.14.
Comment by Warren Dodson — January 6, 2008 @ 8:44 am
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Pingback by alazycowboy.com » Blog Archive » Barth’s Prayer for the New Year — January 6, 2008 @ 8:53 am
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Pingback by Barth’s New Year Prayer | Byrnesys Blabberings — January 7, 2008 @ 5:47 am
Have you been able to find the source for me yet?
Comment by Scott — January 14, 2008 @ 11:13 am
Yes… Sorry about the delay.
It’s from the Harper Collins Book of Prayers compiled by Robert Van de Weyer (Castle Books, 1997).
Comment by trevinwax — January 14, 2008 @ 11:23 am