377. New Year Prayer and Resolution
I came across the other day those lines that were used in the musical “Godspell” but that really dated back to the 1200’s. You’ll recognize them in the prayer of Saint Richard of Chichester (1197 to 1253).
Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ,
for all the benefits thou hast given me,
for all the pains and insults thou hast borne for me.
O most merciful redeemer, friend and brother,
may I know thee more clearly,
love thee more dearly,
follow thee more nearly, day by day. Amen.
And almost immediately we can sing those last three lines—–know thee more clearly, love thee more dearly, follow thee more nearly, day by day, by day, by day, by day.
I can hardly imagine a better prayer for the New Year-—and in fact, I can hardly imagine a better resolution for the New Year.
