Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36 NIV (Word of the Year 2021)

Which now of these three, do you think was a neighbour to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?? The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus told him, Go, and do likewise.” Luke 10:36-37 NIV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NKJV

                 

Father God, full of Mercy and Grace,

 

 

In your compassion we have our strong foundation in time and eternity.

 

In the years you have given us in the past and in the years to come.

 

Your comfort was our strength and shield in times of anxiety and sorrow.

 

Your presence will surely guide us in the paths of our unknown future to come.

 

     

In the desert you have shown Israel your liberating mercy.

 

In Babylon, you sent your messengers of hope and light.

 

In Bethlehem there was a bright shining Star of good news.

 

You touched the leper and healed the sick.

 

     

Full of mercy until the end, showing us the Father.

 

You , Jesus, completed compassion in giving your life.

     

 

In your footsteps we will find our way this year.

 

Love without end can pulsate our deeds in daily life.

 

Being Church in the messy places of wounded people,

 

Showing mercy for the vulnerable and the weak.

     

 

The hidden heroes and angels of our time

 

Shall not be named in the papers or be seen on Facebook.

 

But they are blessed in Your Kingdom

 

For they show us the Father and the Son.

     

 

“Lord, lead us more deeply in your concerns for our broken world

 

And set our Hearts aflame for her needs”.

 

   

Your compassion is our heartbeat.

 

Come Holy Spirit with this fire of love. Amen.

 

 

   

 

We are thankful to Robbert Jan Perk & Peter Artman from the EEA Hope for Europe Prayer Network for writhing this prayer and wish you a happy and blessed new year in which the Lord´s compassion becomes your heartbeat!