New Year's Prayer

As I enter my fifth year in the blogosphere I feel that a short reflection on 2011 and a prayer for 2012 is in order. First, I want to reflect. 2011 was an interesting year, and I find it very encouraging that God answered my prayer. Here is a short piece of my prayer for the New Year: “I don’t pray for comfort or that everything will go my way, but I do pray that when things go wrong I will not give in and forget God’s promise – that He is with me to the end. I pray for growth, that I may grow in understanding of God’s word, and that I may grow closer to Him.” 2011 certainly had its fair share of troubles, most seeming to congregate around the past few months. Yet while I may have lost strength I never lost faith or hope. I’ve realized that life will often turn the way we don’t want it to, but that doesn’t mean we are alone. No, God is with us, and He speaks to us constantly, whether it is through the Bible, prayer, or even a friend. I know God has been with me, even though I may not always walk with Him. I also know one thing about my future for sure; God will continue to be with me all the days of my life. Yes things might not go as I want them to, but God is there always; as the saying goes “God’s fingerprints are all over this.” Now for the prayer: God you taught me a lot in 2011 and I pray that you continue to teach me and lead me down the right path. I’ve allowed myself to get distracted by things of the world, and I pray that I will hear your voice and see your presence in my life. I pray that I listen for your words and follow your command and that I get on the track that I am supposed to be on. While my future may be uncertain, I pray that your direction will not be. Amen.