(inspired by 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)
God, source of all life,
the northern autumn is all around us now, beautiful
in scarlet and gold.
We have heard the Spirit of God in the rustling
leaves and the rush of water,
and we are so grateful for a generous harvest,
for seeds of many kinds, sown and multiplied,
for the sufficiency we enjoy.
Sung (Taizé):
Bless the Lord, my soul
and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul,
who leads us into life.
Creator God,
we are so grateful for the creation which nourishes
and sustains all that lives.
Renew in us the sense of its value
that we may not squander its riches,
or so bend it to our will that we find we have
destroyed it.
Bless the Lord, my soul
and bless God’s holy name.
Bless the Lord, my soul,
who leads us into life.
Transforming God,
we cannot sow our seed with clenched fists.
Help us to open our hands, to let go of grasping,
that we too may scatter with hope and generosity
our seeds of justice, peace and joy.
So may the fruits of our harvest
be for the sharing of the earth
and the blessing of your love.
Amen
— written by Peggy M De Cuehlo (from Bread of Tomorrow, edited by Janet Morley, SPCK/Christian Aid), abridged. Originally from Harvest Prayers, posted on the Christian Aid website.
For more creative worship resources for Thanksgiving Sunday or Harvest celebrations, click on Thanksgiving Sunday in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page, or see this Thanksgiving Day Resources index.
