Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, as we gather pace to close this long year, and with all the disturbing events we see, yet here we come to you with thanksgiving for the blessing of life. We know nothing comes to pass without your knowledge and so even if we are not able to fully grasp these events, yet the comfort is you are in control. For you say, “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” ( Deutronomy 3:18).
We are thankful because you have reminded us: “Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” ( Ps 100:4-5). We hold on steadfast to your good and awesome nature, believing in your word, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me” ( Psalm 23:4). Through this year there has been hits and misses.
Where we have accomplished what we set our eyes on we give you praise, singing with joy, “The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights” ( Habakuk 3:9). And for those areas not on target, we still look up to you, “but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” ( Isaiah 40:31).
May you be with us and all our loved ones especially through the hectic season of travel in the coming days, “But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” ( 2 Thessalonians 3:3). We refute and rebuke all the dark powers of the enemy rendering them moot and powerless, proclaiming nothing but blessings and prosperity upon our lives, “You will be blessed in the city and blessed in the country.. You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out” ( Deuteronomy 38:3-6)” And all we pray in the blessed name of Jesus Christ our Lord!
