Prayer for a Faithful Heart

Grant that I may pass through the coming year with a faithful heart.
There will be much to test me and make weak my strength before the year ends.
In my confusion I shall often say the word that is not true
and do the thing of which I am ashamed.
There will be errors in the mind and great inaccuracies of judgment…

In seeking the light, I shall again and again find myself
walking in the darkness.
I shall mistake my light for Your light
and I shall drink from the responsibility of the choice I make.
Nevertheless, grant that I may pass through the coming year with a faithful heart.

May I never give the approval of my heart to error, to falseness, to vanity, to sin.
Though my days be marked with failures, stumblings, fallings,
let my spirit be free so that You may take it
and redeem my moments in all the ways my needs reveal.
Give me the quiet assurance of Your Love and Presence.
Grant that I may pass through the coming year with a faithful heart.

Howard Thurman    “Meditations of the Heart”

I have often leaned on Howard Thurman’s wisdom that shines out of his deeply centered spirituality.  His prayer for a New Year recognizes that in spite of our best efforts, we will fail, make mistakes and speak the insensitive word.  Our New Year’s resolutions may or may not take root.  Thurman reminds us that however much we may mess up in the year ahead. God looks to our hearts and sees our intentions. I’m grateful that God takes our stumbles, our missteps and our failings, redeeming them with God’s steadfast and patient love.

“With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments!” Psalm 119:10