Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, here we are greeting the New Year and we thank you for letting us enter these gates. "Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in" ( Psalm 24:9). It's been a long year full of ups and down, against wars and pestilence, but with your grace we have seen your blessings. Through the narrow we escaped attempted hits of the enemy who sought to take any out yet you scattered him to the periphery because of the cover of your rich blood, which is our protection. For "They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony" (Rev 12:1). Thus we welcome the New Year with faith and victory knowing that where there will be battles to fight, "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged" (Deuteronomy 31:8). That where there will be mountains to climb, you say, "For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the LORD, who has mercy on you ( Isiah 54:19). That where there will be trials and temptations, you have given us your word, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” ( John 16:33). That where there is fear you say, "He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber" ( Psalm 121: 3). So we look ahead certain and guaranteed victory in CHRIST JESUS! Take us through 2023 with that hand of power and deliverance you led your prophet Moses which parted whatever waters rose against his pilgrim to make a way. For all our dreams may this be the year when like Sarah we say ,“God has brought me laughter. All who hear about this will laugh with me" (Gen 21:6). And so we start the New Year brimming with hope, holding fast to your word, "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness" ( Isiah 43:19). All this we pray in the beloved name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth!