For Comfort and Strength in the New Year

Merciful God, as we enter into this new year of 2012 we pray that you will help and comfort those who are enslaved by poverty, distress, sickness or in any sort of trouble.  May your living Word in Christ Jesus bring them strength and endurance in this new year.  May those who are in positions of power who can help relieve their distress, be moved by your Spirit to look after the poor and down trodden of our nation.  And may all of us look to you for guidance in this year, that we might follow your will for us.  In Jesus' Name we do pray.  Amen.