A Prayer for a New Year

photo by Hendel D'bu (c)

Listening to the shofar always makes me feel introspective. As it calls us all to righteousness, I can't help to look at my own actions and hope for the better. Boredom, cynicism and guilt all seem to crowd as I try to live each day to the full. However, in the end, my faith remains.

I pray to the Creator of the Universe to have mercy upon me and my family and friends, the loved ones and the not-so loved ones, casual acquaintances, servants and helpers, strangers, children and elderly. We all need the mercy of the Almighty One.

I pray that I fulfill all that I have committed; somehow LORD, make that happen despite my failures.

I pray that all the souls that come across my path see Your Light. My heart aches to make those feel wanted and needed in some way, even if it's small.

I pray for all those in leadership positions, be it large or small. You hold them to a higher standard, so I plead that You give wisdom, maturity and compassion to those you have put in positions of power and influence.

I pray for those that are the sick, lowly and helpless, that You give them the ability to appreciate and be grateful for what they receive from others. Please enable us all, LORD, to be able and willing to give when we can and should.

I pray for all those that feel resentment and bitterness, that You give them eyes to see, ears to hear and the desire to deal with their feelings in a way that pleases You.

I pray that all those You have drawn to Yourself can truly know how to praise You - in all things and every day, as You are worthy of all praise and honor.

I pray, LORD our G-d, that You protect Your people from all forms of evil, whether from within ourselves or without; we have no hope in the absence of Your protection and guidance.

May the new year bring the sweetness of love, acceptance, joy and purpose to as many as would desire such.

I will bless the LORD at all times, His praise will continually be in my mouth. Amein.

L'Shana Tova