Let us give thanks to God our Creator
for all the blessings we share this day.
For all of those who have gone before, people strong and brave,
willing to put their lives on the line for the causes they believe in,
we give you thanks.
Grant us, our God, the courage to step out in faith
for that which is true and right.
For freedom of speech and of the press,
for the avenues open to express ourselves,
and for opportunities to effect change, we give you thanks.
We pray for those who are voiceless victims of unjust governments.
For fertile soil, abundant rain, and seasons of refreshment,
we give you thanks.
We pray for those whose land is parched and whose wells are dry.
For our families, friends, and the church,
who provide us with food and drink for our journey,
we give you thanks.
We pray for those who are hungry and tired,
hopeless and wandering,
finding no place to rest.
For strong bodies and minds,
for opportunities that encourage us to grow
and become more the servants of thanksgiving you call us to be,
we give you thanks.
We pray for the sick, for the stagnant
who are unwilling to dream or change.
Help us, O God, to be responsible stewards of your blessings,
people who care for the earth and ail its people.
Keep us connected with all humanity,
even though miles and cultures tend to separate us.
May we always respond to your call with a true spirit of thanksgiving.
-- from Service of Thanksgiving written by Rev. Donald Jansma, posted on Reformed Worship 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.
