For the lives cut short by guns, machetes, disease, hunger.
and the dangers on land, air and sea
A prayer for eternal rest from this sinful world
For those who live but might as well be dead
A prayer for restoration
For those with broken hearts, minds and spirits
A prayer for long-lasting healing
For innocent children wandering the streets without a thought to their care or nurture
A prayer for the care and attention they rightfully deserve
For the helpless mother who has run out of tears to shed over her hungry children
and now wears her fear like a heavy cloak that can’t be shaken off
A prayer for the kindness of an unconditional helper
For the desperate father and husband who toils for a pittance
so he can keep his starving family together
A prayer that the labour will not be in vain
For all those who have lost their offspring and faced the darkest days of their lives
A prayer for comfort and strength
For those who mourn their loved ones and still see them vividly in their dreams
A prayer that they may always be able to say, ‘Don’t worry about me, I am fine’
For those searching for soul mates
A prayer for love that lasts forever
For all those who lead
A prayer for wisdom, empathy and humility

For those who rule – the despots, tyrants and dictators
A prayer that their cold hearts will receive warmth
For those who wear mantles of trust and responsibility
yet, fail again and again
A prayer that they may understand that to whom much is given, much is expected
For those who use the name of God in vain
For those who deliver messages he knows nothing about
For those who prey on the vulnerable in his name
A prayer for judgement
For all those who yearn for progress, success, elevation
A prayer for dreams to come true
For those who have been blessed with great skills and talents
A prayer that they use their gifts with a thankful heart
For all those who suffer from ailments seen and unseen
A prayer for divine and total healing
For those with a spirit of violence, deceit, intrigue and false testimony
A prayer for repentance and forgiveness
For those who are confused, anxious and uncertain about their paths
A prayer for clarity and discernment
For the helpless and hopeless who have no one to help and nothing to hope for
A prayer to raise helpers and givers of hope
For those who have just arrived – newly born, innocent, free of guile
A prayer for a lifetime of grace and blessings
For those whose time is almost done
Those who clutch their ‘boarding passes’ as they await their heavenly departure
A prayer that they leave with no regrets and joy in their hearts
For all those who pray and receive no response
A prayer that all will be well in the fullness of time
For all those who arrived in a New Year
weary, bruised, but full of hope and gratitude
A prayer that this New Year will bring joy, prosperity and peace

Happy New Year!

Bisi Adeleye-Fayemi is a Gender Specialist, Leadership Coach, Policy Advocate and Writer. She is the Founder of Abovewhispers.com, an online community for women. She can be reached at BAF@abovewhispers.com