Holy and Immortal One,

As I begin this new year, I ask that I may become more attentive to your ways and not those of fear and shame:

Release me from the chains of past betrayals and create within me a new heart--a heart that is once again vulnerable to hurt and rejection, yet mighty and invincible;
Cleanse me from the temporary fragrance of material fortune that I may savor the timeless gifts of your spirit;
Ease my burdens and worries, relaxing my every bone and muscle with your peace;
Stabilize my sense of self that I may avoid all quest for approval;
Rid me of all self-righteousness and self-made purity codes that I may accept my flaws and imperfections without condoning behaviors that endanger the dignity of others;
Be merciful to me when I speak words that disrespect both myself and others but embolden me to challenge the selfish spirit that can so easily take possession of one’s soul;
Take me wherever someone is in need of love and salvation from despair;
With each sunrise, help me renew my pledge to fulfill my calling as a witness to your love;
With each sunset help me detach and release all that was and has been into the arms of night;
All this I pray in Your Name, Amen.