Baptist Church San Diego

Another Year Gone

Brethren you know as well as I do that the turning of the calendar from December to January sort of invokes an automatic self examination of the past year, and spurs a series of fresh hopes, aspirations and prayers for the new year.  I commend this God centered prayer to you as you consider what is really important for you in the year 2012.  May the Lord be pleased to bless us as we worship Him together on the first day of the year!

Your servant,

Curt Arend

Praying in the New Year

O Lord, 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,
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,
Thy wisdom to teach,
Thy right hand to guide,
Thy counsel to instruct,
Thy law to judge,
Thy presence to stabilize.
May Thy fear by my awe,
Thy triumphs my joy.