Weekly Outlook - A prayer to start 2026

Dear readers, Happy New Year! As we enter 2026, I offer you a prayer written by Karen Rohrer for the Outlook: "As we look out on the horizons of a new year, it is hard to see your promise with fresh eyes. The memories we carry in our bodies, the patterns we know from the lives we have lived, and the stories we have told cloud our vision. We are weighed down by the fears of all the years, the old fables, the generational wounds, the trusty and cautious hopes that got us through this far. But God, you are not the slowly bending arc of history. You are not the past warmed up to meet us yet again in infinite and gently looping cycles. You are not likelihood and probability, plausible outcomes and logical conclusions. You do not come to us in the slow march of progress or the incremental degradation of structures and institutions. Your story is the deeper magic from before the drums of history, before our forming stories and earthen bodies set us here to walk this particular, human road — and yet you walk with us even here in this in-between space. As we look to a new year, we ask that you dispel the ghosts we conjure and fear. Meet us again with genuine newness. We are so tired of what has been, so afraid of what may come again. Stay with us as we wait for what will be. Spirit of new life, give us eyes to see what feels implausible. Grant us the hope and the diligence to follow the seeds of revolution and revelation already planted. Point us again to the surprise and delight of nature and neighbor. Reintroduce us to the people you have made and the communities to which you have called us. Grant us the presence and good sense to look up and out, to seek eyes that might meet our own and sun to touch our skin. Remind us that the past we drag with us does not govern your future, that the future you bring is broader and wider and newer than all we have ever known. As we look out on the horizon of a new year, give us the courage and trust to see you even there. Join us as we walk into your new morning." Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook  P.S. Our Lenten devotional is out! You can preorder "Discipleship in a divided age" today! The full product will be available January 8.

Why ‘Wake Up Dead Man’ may be the most Christian film of 2025 by Brendan McLean Little things to carry you into 2026 by Presbyterian Outlook Growing deep roots in a fast-paced world by Maggie Alsup ‘Pickleball Church’ finds financial stability through innovative building use by McKenna Britton What Americans need to know about Palestinian liberation theology by Christopher Tweel A prayer for the end of the year by Katy Shevel In case you missed it... Born out of national division, ‘O Little Town of Bethlehem’ is a balm for Christmas A century and a half after Phillips Brooks wrote this haunting carol, there is much once again to lament, fear and grieve, writes Karen Swallow Prior. Up Against A Crooked Gospel: Black Women’s Bodies and the Politics of Redemption In "Up Against a Crooked Gospel," Melanie Jones Quarles names how Black women’s bodies have been exploited by theology — and reclaims embodiment as healing. Heather Russell von Marko offers a review. A blessing for the year to come Walter Canter offers a month-by-month prayer for ordinary frustrations, unexpected joys and the sacred reminders. The mystery and perfect love of God Brendan McLean argues that "The Tree of Life" is a theologically rich, liturgical meditation that explores God’s mysterious presence in both the vast cosmos and the intimate struggles of human life. Faith for turbulent times: Four new books on Scripture and spiritual formation Seeking grounding in turbulent times? These new releases on Isaiah, resilience and Presbyterian identity offer wisdom, comfort and challenge. — Amy Pagliarella New books on justice: Racial healing, climate action and courageous faith What does faithful resistance look like today? Amy Pagliarella’s latest roundup highlights powerful books on race, climate, courage and liberation. 2025 book recommendations: New fiction and poetry Explore 2025 book releases in fiction and poetry, including Wally Lamb’s latest novel and uplifting collections from David Gate and Victoria Hutchins. — Amy Pagliarella

Pre-order today!  Explore how to live faithfully amid division and uncertainty through Matthew’s Gospel.