In 1874, Frances R. Havergal penned this poem for her New Year’s greeting cards. Many things have changed since that time and I doubt many churches will sing this hymn on Sunday – it may well be considered “out of date.” But what contemporary songs will be sung 137 years from now? Take another look at a wonderful poem which expresses a passion for serving God whatever year we are in.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.
Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.
Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.
Since I have you reading this blog thus far, how about reading “The Valley of Vision” a collection of Puritan Prayers – not as a substitute for your own praying but as an encouragement to a high and holy view of God. I bought a copy of this book just this past month. Here’s a link to Puritan Prayers if you want to see some samples online. Be blessed and be a blessing in 2012!
Here’s the opening prayer
The Valley of Vision
Lord, high and holy, meek and lowly, Thou hast brought me to the valley of vision, where I live in the depths but see Thee in the heights; hemmed in by mountains of sin I behold Thy glory. Let me learn by paradox that the way down is the way up, that to be low is to be high, that the broken heart is the healed heart, that the contrite spirit is the rejoicing spirit, that the repenting soul is the victorious soul, that to have nothing is to possess all, that to bear the cross is to wear the crown, that to give is to receive, that the valley is the place of vision. Lord, in the daytime stars can be seen from deepest wells, and the deeper the wells the brighter Thy stars shine; let me find Thy light in my darkness, Thy life in my death, Thy joy in my sorrow, Thy grace in my sin, Thy riches in my poverty, Thy glory in my valley.
