Let’s Not Carry the Weight of Old Grudges into the New Year

Father God
Lord Jesus
Holy Spirit

We present ourselves before You again this Sunday.
We remember a year past
And anticipate a year ahead.

We want to start the new year fresh,
Free of the burden of any grudges.
Convict us, please, of what we need
To release and to confess.

Help us, Jesus, to 
Clean out the baggage of
Stored pain and resentment.
We’re tired of carrying the weight.

If we need to forgive life-altering sin against us,
We must have your grace to 
Absorb the suffering of those injustices, 
Like You absorbed the suffering of our sin.

We want to let your vengeance suffice
And give up our right to anger.
We ask for your power
To release any indignation or bitterness.

We appreciate the wisdom
Of this life You call us to—of 
Forgiveness and tender heartedness.
But only You can empower that. 
Fill us anew with your Holy Spirit.

We will never give up looking to You.
There’s always more cleansing.
And the best is yet to be, 
Comfort and holiness 
Exceeding our imagination. 
Amen.

Hourglass photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash

Baggage carried photo by Tom Cleary on Unsplash

Distressed people photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Jesus photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash

Water photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash