The Old Road to Paradise/Prayer for the New Year

by Margaret Widdemer

PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

Lord God, we lift to Thee
 A world hurt sore.
Look down, and let it be
 Wounded no more!

Lord, when this year is done
 That wakes today
Many shall pray to Thee
 Who do not pray;

Let all lips comfort them,
 All hearts be kind,
They who this year shall leave
 Their joys behind:

Give them Thy comforting,
 Help them to know
That though their hopes are gone
 Thou dost not go;

They who shall give for Thee
 Lover and son,
Show them Thy world set free,
 Thy battles done!

Lord God, we lift to Thee
 A world in pain,
Look down and let it be
 Made whole again!