# A birthday prayer of gratitude
*2014-12-12*

> Bill Young shares a heartfelt prayer of gratitude and reflection to mark his birthday and the passing of another year.

## Gratitude for the community

I would like to thank everyone for the birthday wishes on my Facebook page, as well as for the cards and the well wishes. I truly appreciate your kindness.

## Reflecting on the past year

I found a birthday prayer that I would like to share with you. It begins by thanking God for the gift of another year of life and for the people who remembered me today through cards, letters, gifts, and good wishes. It is a time to look back on all the experiences of this past year.

## Finding God in success and failure

In this prayer, we thank God for the times of success, which will always be happy memories, and for the times of failure, which reminded me of my own weakness and my need for Him. We acknowledge the times of joy when the sun was shining, and the times of sadness which drove me closer to God.

## Seeking forgiveness and growth

We ask for forgiveness for the hours wasted, the chances failed, and the opportunities missed this past year. The prayer asks for help in the days ahead to make this the best year yet, bringing credit to myself, happiness and pride to my loved ones, and joy to God.

*Birthdays are an opportunity to reflect on our weaknesses and successes while asking God for the grace to make the coming year our best yet.*