Journey Through January week 4

Introduction

There are many points in the year when a fresh start can be made: the new school year, the tax year, Advent. The turn from December to January and our counting of the years of the Common Era is another opportunity to take stock and assess our lives: our needs, aspirations and hopes. We can also reflect on the needs of others and of the whole creation.

It is during this change as we move into January that the hymn Lord, for the years, can be appropriate and helpful. Using the five verses we can consider aspects of our life and of creation at the beginning of New Year, 2022.

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The week beginning Sunday 23 January 2022

Lord, for our land in this our generation,
Spirits oppressed by pleasure, wealth and care:
For young and old, for commonwealth and nation,
Lord of our land, be pleased to hear our prayer.

Let us call to mind the difficulties we have faced:
the feeling of loss when friends have moved away,
the sadness of bereavement, the worry of redundancy,
sickness, family problems, disappointments,
disagreements with friends and colleagues.
Father, we put all our hope in you.

The Conversion of St Paul is remembered on 25 January    [Acts 9. 1- 22]

After his encounter with Jesus Christ, Paul realized that Jesus Christ is Lord and that he has brought us salvation.
Paul came to the realization that Jesus Christ came to set us free from anything that keeps us in bondage. Paul says, ‘For freedom Christ has set us free’ (Galatians 5:1).

Spot the difference

Lord transform our lives,
bring in your colour and brightness.

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*Lord for the Years by Timothy Dudley Smith (CCLI copyright covered by CCL 118111)
© 1969 Hope Publishing Company