b'PrayerFOR YOUR NEW YEARDear God, This time last year everything and everyone seemed so far away. And to deepen the pain, for those of us who have lost loved ones this past year, they now seem so far out of reach as we long to be with them. Lord, thank You for having compassion for our frail and broken condition. God our healer, we thank You that Ephesians 2:13 says, But now in Christ JesusYou who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. It is onlybecause of You and Your gift of faith that You have brought us near to You and to one another. Thanks be to God! Lord, as we swing the doors open wide to welcome one another back into ourchurches this fall, we ask You to give us extra grace and love for one another. Give us a heart to share the Gospel so others would come to know, love and follow You as Your disciples. Finally, give us Jesus-sized love to welcome back the kids within our church and community. Thank You for being the God who brings those who were once far, near. As we gathertogether this year may the world see Jesus and long for Your presence in their lives. In Jesus Name, Amen. 15'