Unknown Waters

(Arthur Elsley)

I've been contemplating the days that lie ahead in the coming year with a sense of anticipation and full assurance that whatever may transpire, not only does the Lord Almighty walk beside me, he has ordained all that will pass. Whether joy or sorrow, pleasure or penance, it has been decreed by the one who loves me best and whose word promises that it is for my good. What a sweet cushion of comfort upon which I may lay my head and rest.

(William Bouguereau )

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 be my awe,

thy triumphs my joy.

(from The Valley of Vision)

May we welcome all that God has planned for us this new year, being anxious for nothing, and forgetting not his benefits, most especially the Gift whose birth we have just spent a season celebrating. In that one Gift, we truly have all.

(Honthorst - Adoration of the Shepherds)