As we greet the new year...

For those unaware, today is Rosh Hashannah, the Jewish new year. Last night, while my family and were saying blessings over candles (you do that a lot on Jewish holidays, btw), I heard one of the most beautiful prayers ever. It sounded just like a poem, the way it flowed, and it perfectly embodies the spirit of Rosh Hashannah. I'm going to post it here, so you can see what I mean...

Eternal God, as the new year begins,
We have come together to pray as a family,
Yet each of us is strangely solitary in your presence.

Each of us comes before You with special hopes and dreams,
Each of us has personal worries and concerns,
Each of us has a prayer no one else can utter,
Each of us brings praise no one else can offer,
Each of us feels a joy no one else can share,
Each of us has regrets which others cannot know.

And so we pray:
If we are weary, give us strength.
If we are discouraged, give us hope.
If we have forgotten how to pray, remind us.
If we have been careless of time, forgive us.

If our hearts have been chilled by indifference,
Warm them with Your mercy, and inspire us
With the glowing spirit of this holy night.

Amen.