A Prayer for the New Year

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

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 might not be one moment apart from Thee,

But may rely on thy Spirit

To supply every thought,

Speak 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,

Advance Thy kingdom.

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 me,

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.

From: Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions

Launching into the New Year

As we stand on the threshold of a new year, the unknown stretches before us like uncharted waters. The Puritan prayer from The Valley of Vision beautifully captures this moment: we launch our “bark on the unknown waters” of the coming days, not in our own strength, but with the Triune God as our guide—the Father as our harbour, the Son at the helm, and the Holy Spirit filling our sails.

The prayer begins with a profound truth: “Length of days does not profit me except the days are passed in Thy presence, in Thy service, to Thy glory.” Mere longevity means little if our time is not rooted in God. Instead, we seek His grace that “precedes, follows, guides, sustains,” never leaving us apart from Him. This year, may we rely fully on His Spirit to supply every thought, word, step, and work, building our faith and stirring a desire to praise Him, testify to His love, and advance His kingdom.

Scripture echoes this dependence. In Lamentations 3:22-23, we are reminded: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Each dawn of 2026 brings fresh mercy—reason enough to face the year with hope.

Yet the prayer also calls us to readiness: “Guide me to heaven with my loins girt, my lamp burning,” prepared like the wise virgins awaiting the bridegroom (Matthew 25:1-13). And in Psalm 90:12, Moses prays, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Recognising life’s brevity urges us to live wisely, prioritising God’s presence above all.

As you enter this new year, pray with the Puritans: May God’s fear awe you, His triumphs fill you with joy, and His presence stabilise every step.

In Christ’s love, Pastor Carl, Caroline and the Peet family.

Prayer

O Lord,

As we launch into these unknown waters, be our harbour, helm, and wind.

Let Your mercies renew us each morning.

Teach us to number our days aright,

That we may live fully in Your presence, service, and glory.

Amen.