LABC Update – Saturday, January 21, 2023

Soren Kierkegaard’s Prayer for the New Year

Another year has passed, O Heavenly Father! We thank Thee that it was a time of grace, and we are not terrified by the thought that it is also a time for which we shall render an account; for we trust in Thy mercy.

The new year confronts us with its demands; and though we cannot enter upon it without humility and concern, because we cannot and will not forget
the lusts of the eye that ensnared us,
the sweets of revenge that seduced us,
the wrath that made us irreconcilable,
the coldness of heart in which we fled from Thee,
Yet we do not enter it altogether empty handed.

For we take with us the memory of
fearful doubts which were set at rest,
anxieties which were solaced,
the downcast mind which was cheered and strengthened,
the glad hope which was not put to shame.

Aye, and when in our melancholy moods we seek strength and encouragement in the thought of the great men, Thy chosen instruments,
who in sharp trials and profound anxieties kept
their souls free,
their courage unbroken,
the heavens open above them,

Then we also wish to add to theirs our testimony, convinced that even if
our courage is but discouragement in comparison with theirs, and
our strength weakness, nevertheless
Thou art ever the same,
the same mighty God who tries the spirits of men in combat,
the same Father without whose knowledge no sparrow falls to the ground.

Amen. (Edifying Discourses Vol 1 1843)

My friend, Gary Yee, retired OUSD Educator and Board member, sent this prayer to me. Jh

LABC Zoom Link – Pastor Carolyn leads A Time For Prayer this morning at 10:00.

Online: https://zoom.us/j/8599095914
Dial-in: 1 669 900 9128

Meeting ID: 859 909 5914
Password: 192833

One tap mobile: +16699009128

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