God of the ages, you have blessed us with another year.
Help us to make room for the blessings that
are in store for us in the coming months.
May we be open to learn the right lessons, even if they hurt a little.
Help us to be patient so that we won’t miss divine opportunities.
Show us how to be fulfilled without material possessions, so
that we will not miss what it means to be a blessed people.
Enable us to be a blessing so you will recognize us as the ones who
gave you bread when you were hungry, drink when you
were thirsty, and clothes when you were naked.
In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Adaptation of a prayer by the Rev. Kevin B. Smalls, go to http://www.umc.org/what-we-believe/downloadable-prayers-for-the-new-year to view downloadable prayers.