New Year and opening the door

In Scotland and northern parts of England there is an ancient practice of folks going from house to house wishing each other a good year ahead. In the spirit of that hospitality, we offer this prayer:

“This day is a new day that has never been before. This year is a new year, the opening door. Enter, Lord Christ — we have joy in Your coming. You have given us life; and we welcome Your coming. I turn now to face You, I lift up my eyes. Be blessing my face, Lord; be blessing my eyes. May all my eye looks on be blessed and bright, my neighbors, my loved ones be blessed in Your sight. You have given us life and we welcome Your coming. Be with us, Lord, we have joy, we have joy. This year is a new year, the opening door. Be with us, Lord, we have joy, we have joy.”