For All The Blessings Of The Year

For all the blessings of the year,

For all the friends we hold so dear,

For peace on earth, both far and near,

We thank Thee, O Lord.

For life and health, those common things,

Which every day and hour brings,

For home, where our affection clings,

We thank Thee, O Lord.

For love of Thine, which never tires,

Which all our better thought inspires,

And warms our lives with heavenly fires,

We thank Thee, O Lord.

ALBERT H. HUTCHINSON (N.D.)

EACH WEEK across the country, small groups of Christians meet together for Bible study and prayer. As they share prayer requests, one member faithfully jots down the various needs and concerns. One person might need a job; another is having financial troubles; still another is about to enter the hospital. Week after week they pray for these personal needs.

At the end of the year, if the group takes the time to go back through the year’s prayer requests, they may be stunned to see how God has been working throughout the year. Not every request will have been answered the way they wanted or expected, but it will be amazing how many were. Some situations probably turned out even better than anyone had hoped.

After looking back at the events of the previous year, we need to make a point of thanking God “for all the blessings of the year.”

My heart is confident in you, O God; no wonder I can sing your praises with all my heart! Wake up, lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.

Psalm 108:1-3