Rejoice always, pray without ceasing....May the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely, and may your spirit and soul and body be kept sound and blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
God of Heaven and Earth — Father, Son, and Spirit — we are grateful for Your love, mercy, and grace. As the church celebrates its New Year and commemorates the advent of Christ, we pray that You will come to us anew and grace us with the peace of Your presence. Grant, O God, that all people in every place may experience true peace with justice — free from violence and filled with joy and hope. Give us strength to work toward the things for which we have prayed. In the name of the Son and in the presence of the Spirit, Amen.
Robby Waddell, PhD
Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity
School of Divinity
Southeastern University