Lord, in this year, let me be

that listening ear,
that caring heart,
that helping hand,

To that person, near and far,
To that person, broken and helpless,
To that person, so precious to you that you would leave your throne to be with.

May I learn from the example of Jesus, who did not hold on too tightly to his majesty,
But was willing to lay it aside to dwell among us.

Lord, not only did you ask us to come to you, you actually came to us.

Like the father of the Prodial son, you would not wait for us to trudge into your compound,
You ran out to embrace us.

May I learn to be this to others, by the power of your Spirit, from this year and onwards,

Amen.