In the beginning,

God created

the heavens

and the earth.

       Genesis 1. 1

(This is the reality

on which

everything about us

is found

and founded upon,

that on which we can

     stake our lives,

how we view God,

how we see others,

how we see ourselves.

Nothing but nothing

is random,

but instead rising out

of God's sacred order,

the beginning

       of everything.)

O LORD,

As we enter this new year,

we come before You

and realize that

spectacular things

are already in place

and about to

         be revealed,

not even one day

to be regarded

    as ordinary,

but an intricate part

of Your design

    in our lives.

You created us.

You are with us.

You love us.

May we not be

impervious to difficulty

or complacent about

            flourishing

in this coming year,

  even in this day,

but be responsive to You

and write Your name

     over all we are

     and do.