Ben Wright put together this beautiful New Year’s Liturgy for our church family. We prayed it aloud together on Sunday, January 1, 2023. This liturgy can be used as a prayer for personal devotions or read aloud together as a family. Download a PDF version here.
2023 New Year’s Liturgy
By Ben Wright
Our Father, by your gracious provision for us, we have lifted our feet from 2022 and set them in 2023.
You are Lord of the cosmos, the Alpha and the Omega. You were there at the beginning, before the mountains were born (Ps 90); You will be there at the end of this age. (Matt 28:20)
And you are here with us now. You have not left us as orphans; you have sent your Holy Spirit into our hearts to be present with us, to comfort, help, and guide us. (John 14:15,18)
You chose us before the foundation of the world to be blameless before you and part of your family. We who were once far off have been brought near by your blood. As a result, we are no longer strangers, but we are fellow citizens with all of the saints, and are members of your household. (Eph 1, 2:13)
As individuals, each of us is walking the path that you have set out for us, with our different cultural backgrounds and histories, strengths and weaknesses, afflictions, circumstances, and challenges.
THIS YEAR, help us in a fresh way to feel your nearness. Help us to know that we are a son, that we are a daughter. This is who we are because you have made it so.
More than merely individuals, you have swept us into a larger story. In all of our diversity, you have made us one family together, living stones being fitted together into one body and temple that you are filling with your Spirit, life, love, and power. (Eph 2:22, 4, 1 Peter 2)
THIS YEAR, fill us, Sunset Community Church, all of us together, with your life! (John 17:20)
Jesus, you said that the world will know that you came from the Father because of our unity. (John 17:23)
THIS YEAR, bind us together afresh at Sunset in a unity of purpose that can only be explained by your existence and resurrection.
Loosen our grips on the idols that distract us. Free us from the false loves and addictions that cling to us. Make us hungry for righteousness, and then fill us with your abundance! (Matt 5)
We oppose the will and power of the Evil One in our communities in every facet, remembering and declaring that Satan’s power was disarmed at the cross. All authority and power are in the hands of Jesus. He is above every name that is named in this age and the one to come, and He is the head of the church! (Eph 1:21-22, John 12:31)
THIS YEAR, we ask that your gospel of peace, reconciliation, and joy would spill from these doors into our neighborhood and communities in myriads of ways.
Help us live into our calling to proclaim your excellencies and to be your hands and feet in Renton and in our communities.
We pray these things in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.