Thursday, December 30, 2010

Another Year is Dawning

I with Thee would begin, O my Savior so dear, 
on the way that I still must pursue; 
I with Thee would begin every day granted here,
as my earnest resolve I renew -to be and remain
Thine forever. (From the Swedish)



Frances R Havergal was widely known throughout England as "the consecration poet." It was said of her that she always lived her words before she wrote them. It was also said that her life was one of constant and complete commitment to God. Havergal was an accomplished pianist and vocalist. She was reported to have been fluent in seven languages. She was thought to have a brilliant mind. She memorized the Psalms, Isaiah, the Minor Prophets, and the entire New Testament.

In January of 1874 many of the close friends of Frances R. Havergal received a New Year's greeting with the following heading.

"A Happy New Year! Ever Such May It Be!"

Following this heading or title was a poem she had written. This is considered by many to be the best New Year's prayer of consecration that has ever been written. May this be our challenge for 2011 as it rapidly approaches!

Another year is dawning! Dear Father, let it be,
in working or in waiting, another year with Thee
another year of leaning upon thy loving breast;
another year of trusting, of quiet happy rest.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace;
another year of gladness in the shinning of Thy face;
another year of progress, another year of praise,
another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy Love
another year of training for holier work above
Another year of dawning! Dear Father, let it be,
on earth, or else in heaven, another year for Thee.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

I LOVE IT!! making it my new year's prayer.

Solid Rock or Sinking Sand said...

Thank you Gregg for another enlighten post. God bless you and your family and may the coming New Year bring joy, peace and happiness. Lloyd

Audrey said...

What a beautiful poem! Thank you for sharing. I'll be sending it to those on my mailing list.

Trisha said...

Beautiful, Gregg. Thanks so much for sharing this. Happy New Year to you and yours!

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

A wonderful poem Gregg, a pleasure to read.

Yvonne.

Cathy M. said...

I don't know where you find this stuff! Thanks for sharing another great little nugget.

Persis said...

A perfect hymn for the start of the year. Have a blessed New Year, Gregg!

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Michelle said...

Love the poem!

Anonymous said...

Brother Gregg,

Thanks for posting Frances R. Havergal's wonderful God centered New Year poem/prayer. It was excellent!

I can understand why it is considered by many to be the best New Year's prayer of consecration that has ever been written.

Thanks again, ~Ron

IanH said...

Gregg, thanks for sharing that bit of history! She sounds like a very Godly woman.