Church Renewal Movement “2005 New Year’s Day Prayer”

By Edward Shih

The Following is from Pastor of Hong Kong Church Renewal Movement Woo Chi Wai’s New Year’s Day Prayer:

Almighty God, The Lord of all of creation, Our hearts are filled with grieve as we say farewell to year 2004 and receiving the coming of this New Year with insecurity. Then they will look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness and fearful gloom, and they will be thrust into utter darkness. (Isaiah 8:22) Facing the Earthquake and Tsunami, thousands have died, People in their wonder and asks, “Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion?” (Psalms 77:9) You sweep men away in the sleep of death; they are like the new grass of the morning (Psalms 90:5), Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck (Psalms 69:1)? We confess, facing such sudden disaster, indescribable pain, perplexed reasons, confused emotions, We are consumed by your anger and terrified by your indignation (Psalms 90:7)!

The Lord of all creation, we should praise you, because you have created the land, seas, and all, There is the sea, vast and spacious (Psalms 104:25) But sin has entered this world because our ancestor has committed sin, causing the damage to the natural world. The quiet tranquil sea suddenly turned into murderous wave, Father God, the unnatural phenomenon of the natural world, the appearance of the earthquake tsunami, Again reminds us: the created thing can be destroyed; “And they knew nothing about what would happen until the flood came and took them all away (Matthew 24:39); “Return to dust, O sons of men” (Psalms 90:3), in order to receive the true peace and rest. We boast of our advanced technology, that man can reach the sky; But we have forgotten the right of life, is not in control of our hands; Looking back to this year’s history, war conflicts have never ceased, Constant fights over public affairs, man caused tragedy never ends, Society’s resources are not distributed properly, the gap between the rich and the poor becomes more and more serious; Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom (Psalms 90: 12) Let us understand how weak our lives are, so that we won’t become arrogant, Letting us know, God will bring you to judgment. (Ecclesiastes 11:9) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). If you are not there, then man only has this life to hope for, no longer is there hope for eternity; If you are not there, when we face hardships, there is no way out. Entering this new year of change, we still need your unchanging gospel; Please help us to not seek for selfness, but to love others even more; In the generation where hearts are disconnected, using the love of Christ to connect lives; In this society where values clashes, we can respect others, and accept different perspectives; Have the courage to take the responsibilities, entering different social groups to testify of Christ, And empowering the great commission!

Powerful and comforting Holy Spirit, we honor you, because you never abandon us as orphans; You ensure that we can enjoy the name as the chosen sons and daughters of God, Believing firmly that those who stands firm to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13) And to remember those victimized by the earthquake disaster, war terror and conflicts, Remember those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering (Hebrews 12:18). Please guide us to walk towards this unknown path in this new year, In the place of darkness, give light; Situations of difficulty, provide comfort; The moments of helplessness, you are there to give strength; Giving our spirits to have peace, society to be filled with harmony, the citizen can trust and forgive one another.

”The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; The Lord is enthroned as King forever” (Psalms 29:10) In the history of flood, in the time when the history is changing, The God of trinity, we are sure that upon all things you are in charge holding the throne. “Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning (Psalms 73:26)” Please accept our sincere prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen!

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