Thanksgiving Prayers

Happy Thanksgiving!  BFW's offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, so you may not see another blog posting until Monday.  Once we're back, I owe you postings on the NSCAHH conference, my trip in Seattle and Portland, and my new idol, Dr. Paul Farmer!  Until then, here are some lovely Thanksgiving prayers my colleague collected:

I send prayers of gratitude to all

That has given of itself on this day.

The strong beans, and the hardy grains,

The beautiful leafy green plants and the sweet juicy fruits.

I thank the sun that warmed and vitalized them,

Just as it does me,

And the earth that held and nourished them, as it does me,

And the waters that bathed and refreshed them, as they do for me.

I thank the fire that transformed them,

Just as I wish to be transformed by the fires of Spirit.

I thank the hands that grew and prepared this food,

Just as I thank all those that have touched me.  Amen

For food in a world that knows hunger,

For friendship in a world that knows loneliness,

For peace in a world that knows conflict,

We thank you O Lord.

Amen.

We come to join in the banquet of love.  Let it open our hearts and break down the fears that keep us from loving each other.  Amen

Give us this day our daily bread, O Father in heaven, and grant that we who are filled with good things from Your open hand, may never close our hearts to the hungry, the homeless, and the poor; in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

Oludumare, oh Divine One!

I give thanks to You, the one who is as near as my heartbeat, and more anticipated than my next breath. Let Your wisdom become one with this vessel as I lift my voice in thanks for Your love.

Amen.

Bless this food and us that eats it.

Amen.

O God, when I have food,

help me to remember the hungry;

When I have work,

help me to remember the jobless;

When I have a home,

help me to remember those who have no home at all;

When I am without pain,

help me to remember those who suffer,

And remembering,

help me to destroy my complacency;

bestir my compassion,

and be concerned enough to help;

By word and deed,

those who cry out for what we take for granted.

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest,

And let these gifts to us be blessed.

Blessed be God, who is our Bread;

May all the world be clothed and fed.

Amen.