O Yahweh, love beyond compare, good when You give and when You take away. Whether peace is my lot or sea billows roil. When the sun shines upon me, or when the night gathers over me.

You loved me before the foundation of the world. In spite of my hard heart, ingratitude, and distrust, Your hesed love redeemed my soul (Note).

Your goodness has been with me during another year, leading me through a twisting wilderness, in retreat helping me to advance, when beaten back making sure headway. Thy goodness will be with me in the year ahead. I hoist sail and draw up anchor with Thee as the blessed Pilot of my future as of my past.

I am blessed that you veil my eyes to the waters ahead. If storms of tribulation are to be my lot, You will be with me in them. If I have to pass through tempests of persecution and temptation, I shall not drown. If I am to die, I shall see Thy face the sooner. If a painful end is to be my lot, grant me grace and strength that my faith remains steadfast, for in my own power I am weak and utterly insufficient to the task.

Adapted, The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions, Arthur Bennett (1915 – 1994)

Note: Hesed (Hebrew) is an expression of compassion, mercy, faithfulness, and love impelled by a free-willed decision and not by obligation. Hesed is a defining characteristic of God linked to His compassion and graciousness. It is expressed in His willingness to forgive wrongdoing and to take upon Himself the sin, rebellion, and transgressions of His people.