I wondered whether it would be just empty words if I wrote "Happy New Year" to PresbyCan Daily readers. Then I remembered the two prayers written by the apostle Paul to the Ephesians. I pray those prayers almost every morning for loved ones and those in need. I pray them for you. (Numbering and italics added)

Prayer for spiritual wisdom: Ephesians 1:15-20 (NLT)

Ever since I first heard of your strong faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for God's people everywhere, I have not stopped thanking God for you. I pray for you constantly, asking God, the glorious Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to (1) give you spiritual wisdom and insight so that you might grow in your knowledge of God. I pray that (2) your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called — his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance. I also pray that you will (3) understand the incredible greatness of God's power for us who believe him. This is the same mighty power that raised Christ from the dead and seated him in the place of honour at God's right hand in the heavenly realms.

Prayer for spiritual growth: Ephesians 3:14-21 (NLT)

When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will (1) empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. (2) Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong. And may you have the (3) power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you (4) experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be (5) made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through (6) his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.

A "Happy New Year" message comes from my heart where Christ lives. I pray from my heart. So any good wishes are a kind of prayer.

"Happy New Year!" is the short form of my prayers for you!

Prayer: Father in heaven, in the name of Christ Jesus, our Lord, we ask: make us complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from You! Amen.

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About the author:

Pat Bell <llebpat@gmail.com>
Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada
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