My car has not been running well, so after a milage check, I realised it needed an oil change. All the old dirty oil was drained away, and new clean oil was put in. The engine is running so much more smoothly, and the parts are being protected from wearing away.
This resonated with some themes in my life. Sometimes we can be overwhelmed by life, by the bumps and emotional distances we need to travel. It is easy to feel worn and out of kilter.
At the beginning of a new year, we take time to look back at the year past. We give thanks for experiences that have been positive and which have built us up. We also acknowledge painful times, challenges and sadnesses. We give thanks that God has blessed us with the good, and ask that we might learn from the more difficult times.
When we are struggling, we might ask God to bring renewal to us, so we can let go of unforgiveness, doubt or negativity, the things that pollute our lives. We pray for God to refine us, and to cleanse us from impurities.
In 1 Peter chapter 1 verse 7, it says that sometimes our faith, which is more precious than gold, is refined by fire, so that it is purified and strengthened. We need to let some things go, selfish attitudes, bad habits, negative self talk, so we can be transformed, and so we can shine more brightly for God.
At the beginning of this year, we want to let go of the things that hold us back, which harm us, or cause negativity. We ask for God to cleanse us, so we can then keep in step with the holy spirit, and walk more closely with God. We pray for the oil of annointing and blessing to be upon our lives, so we may live more effectively for God. May we be open to receiving from God in this new season of our lives, and to sharing His love meaningfully with all.
Eternal Father, You are our Creator, and in Jesus Christ all things hold together. Sometimes we are out of step with You, entangled in regrets and sin, bowed down by cares and worries. Lord Jesus, by your grace, cleanse us from impulses that led to harmful choices and attitudes in our past. By your holy spirit, fill us with with the fruit of the spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentlness and self control. May we live lives that are harmonious, and which allow Your good purposes to be fulfilled. In this new year, fashion us in Your image, and pour out your holy spirit upon us, that we might be inspired and enabled to do Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
An umbrella of healing love 