Grab a group of people – your family, friends, faith community – anyone you like, and use this simple liturgy together themed around the beginning of a new year. You can do this in person or online. Take turns doing the readings/prayers so a number of voices create the liturgy together. Share your answers to the reflective questions and encourage each other around these.
Readings:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6
Matthew 25:31-46
Prayer:
God who makes all things new,
We are grateful for the gift of a new day.
We bring our hopes and hurts, our worries and wounds, our desires and dreams.
We surrender control of the future, and ask for wisdom with how we spend this day.
Plant seeds in our hearts that will grow into something beautiful this year.
Teach us to walk in the way of love and justice,
Spend a moment praying for:
Healthcare workers
Those with COVID currently
Those who are particularly vulnerable at this time
Anyone else God brings to your mind
Questions for reflection:
Personal
How do you feel heading into 2022? Does this feel different to previous Januarys?
What are you hopeful for as you look towards this year?
Is there anything you are anxious about?
What sentence do you want to be able to say when you look back at the end of this year?
Communal
What are your hopes for our family/community/group in 2022?
What would you love to see happen in and through our family/community/group this year?
Is there anything you are anxious about regarding our family/community/group?
What do you want us to be able to say at the end of this year?
Blessing:
‘The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.’
– Numbers 6:24-26