A Psalm and A Prayer
Psalm 9b

Psalm 9b
For Christmas and New Years

Leader: The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

People: Those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you.

Leader: Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion. Declare his deeds among the peoples. He does not forget the cry of the afflicted.

People: Be gracious to me, O Lord. You are the one who lifts me up, so that I may recount all your praises and rejoice in your deliverance.

Heavenly Father, as we come to the close of another year, we praise You for the manifold blessings You have poured out upon us, our families, our church, our nation and our world. Indeed, we belong to You and all of creation rests securely in the palm of Your hand. As we look forward to the beginning of a new year, once again we entrust our lives to Your care, knowing that we can work in behalf of Your Kingdom and receive from You daily strength, encouragement, and the infilling of Your Holy Spirit as we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ: “Our Father. . .”

OR

Heavenly Father, we praise You, for You have poured manifold blessings upon us. Indeed, as Your children through faith in Jesus Christ, we belong in Your family. And yet, we do not deserve Your manifold blessings, because we have sinned against You. Each day, we humbly bow our hearts before You, because You have forgiven us for the sake of Your Son, Jesus Christ. Though we face troubles throughout the world, we entrust our lives to Your care, knowing that we can work in behalf of Your Kingdom and receive from You daily strength, encouragement, and the infilling of Your Holy Spirit as we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ: “Our Father. . .”