Reflecting in the New Year!

Each New Year brings an opportunity for reflection and visioning, looking back and anticipating what might be ahead. Through the mind’s functioning we are able to remember past events and through the presence of the spirit we can hope for the future. Both are important because through past events one can learn and through hope one can envision and strive for newness. Yet it is in the present that each person has life, and breath, and being. So as this year begins may you be in the moment, aware that every breath is a gift of life.

Taking time to pray or meditate each day is one way to be centered and aware of the present. It is helpful to have a specific time each day for prayer or meditation. If you do not already pray or meditate on a regular basis then consider making this a spiritual practice. It is helpful to establish a specific time each day for this practice. You might take 10 or 15 minutes before you leave the house in the morning or designate time in the evening without the interruption of television, telephone, emails or texting.

Prayer and meditation is different for each person. Some folks find it helpful to have sacred text as a focus. Others read a devotion, chant a mantra, focus on an object, or even sing a song. As you consider ways to be healthy spiritually I encourage you to have prayer or meditation as part of every day. Following is a prayer for the New Year to help you get started:

Ever-present God,
You create us and call us on a journey of life to unknown places.
We are not where we have started.
We have not reached our destination.
Every day (every hour, every minute, every breath) offers us a new experience at life.
There is so much unknown ahead. If we trust in ourselves our anxiety and fear can escalate and shield us from your love and light.
So God we trust in you. Calm our fears, save us from discouragement.

Open our hearts to your guidance so that our journey ahead continues with you – shining a light in the unknown, reminding us that we are not alone, that we are your beloved. Amen

- Rev. Denise Hill
Supervisor Candidate/Chaplain in Pastoral Care Department