God of new beginnings,
We give you thanks for the gift of life.
Help us to welcome the new year with renewal and hopeful anticipation.
Forgive us for the hurts we have done to others and to ourselves,
For the love, forgiveness and help we have failed to offer,
For opportunities wasted.
Renew our faith and trust in you,
Mend our broken relationships and hearts,
And open our eyes to the beauty of your creation.
Help us to sense your presence in ordinary places,
Your image in ordinary faces,
Your peace in the midst of the busyness of life.
And as we make plans for another year,
Grant us the courage to hope,
To dream,
And to act.
Amen.