As we prepare our hearts and minds for Thanksgiving Day I offer the following:
Generous God, for the abundance of your blessings to us day by day and year by year,
We give you our thanks.
For the simple pleasures of life: for garden harvests,
coffee conversation, and familiar surroundings,
For health and strength to appreciate the wonder of life,
For needs met and desires fulfilled,
We give you our thanks.
For foods distributed to nourish body and spirit,
For homes which supply shelter, which nurture
order and beauty, and offer hospitality,
We give you our thanks.
With hearts that forgive as freely as you have forgiven,
With enthusiasm of spirit for the gift of life,
With music which declares your everlasting goodness,
With prayers for mutual understanding and peace,
We give you our thanks.
With creative pursuits which contribute our God-given talents,
With words which honor you as Creator, Redeemer, and Holy Spirit,
With time volunteered and dedicated to service in church and community,
With years committed to extending the love of Jesus Christ,
We give you our thanks.
With gifts of money which reach farther than we can manage ourselves,
With deeds done in service of neighbor and stranger,
With holy days set apart to celebrate your goodness and grace,
With family and friends distant and nearby,
We give you our thanks, O God, with grateful hearts and joyful spirit.
Alleluia. Amen.
(written by Rev. Kathy Jo Blaske)
May God blessings abound!
Through Christ,
Pastor Doug