Thanksgiving Call to Worship

Here is a responsive call to worship litany for thanksgiving. It was written by Richard Bott (Vancouver, BC, Canada).

Call to Worship for Thanksgiving

(inspired by Psalm 100, Deuteronomy 26:9-10)

Shouts of joy!
Songs of praise!
Sounds of hope and love!
These are moments of thanksgiving –
thanks giving to our God!

Adonai is our God. Our creator.
We are God’s people, led by God’s love.
These are moments of thanksgiving –
thanks giving to our God!

Enter God’s house thanks giving.
Enter God’s house full of praise!
These are moments of thanksgiving –
thanks giving to our God!
God’s love is never ending.
God is good! Alleluia!

On this day of the harvest –
we bring our gifts to you, God.
You have brought us into this place
and shared with us this land,
a land flowing with milk and honey,
a land flowing with maple syrup,

Bless this thanksgiving, offered now to you!
In Christ’s name, we ask it. May it be so.

~ written by Richard Bott, and posted on Sharing Liturgy. http://liturgy.richardbott.com/

Prayer: A Just Harvest

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving and commitment.  It was written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws.

Prayer

God of honey and harvest
of grain and grape
of ocean and orchard:
This harvest time
may we both praise and pray;
praise you for the abundance
and pray that this harvest is not just shared
but shared justly

God of beehives and breadbaskets
of living webs and the weaving of life
of ecosystems and economy:
This harvest time
may we both praise and pray
praise you for the wealth of the harvest
and pray that this harvest is not just a promise
but is full of promise for all

God of bumble bees and blue whales
evolution and environment
ice-field and star-field:
This harvest time
may we both praise and pray
praise you for the sheer wonder of the world
and pray that this harvest is not about our wealth
but the wealth of our generosity.

~ Prayer of Commitment written by Roddy Hamilton, and posted on Mucky Paws. http://www.nkchurch.org.uk/index.php/mucky-paws

Prayer of Thanksgiving: Seedtime and Harvest

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving for the harvest season.  It comes from the Farming Community Network.

Prayer

O God our Father,

we thank you that once again

you have fulfilled your gracious promise that,

while earth remains,

seedtime and harvest shall not fail.

We bless you for the kindly fruits of the earth

which you have given to our use.

Teach us, when we pray,

that it is not by bread alone that we live;

and grant us evermore to feed on Him

who is the true bread from heaven,

even Jesus Christ our Lord;

to whom with you and the Holy Spirit,

be all honour and glory,

world without end. Amen. 

~ posted in “Resources for the Celebration of Harvest Festival,” published by the Farming Community Network. http://fcn.ehclients.com/assets/Resources_for_the_Celebration_of_Harvest_Festival.pdf

Prayer: Seeds of Hope

Here’s a prayer of dedication or closing prayer from Christopher Burkett.  It was posted on the Mother’s Union website.

Prayer

Risen Lord of the harvest,

as the wild flower scatters its seeds far and wide,

so may your people scatter the seed of hope in the soils of despair,

bringing to growth those good things that are your gift and promise.

And may the blessing of God Almighty,

the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit,

rest on us and on all our work and worship done in his name. Amen.

~ Christopher Burkett, Harvest for the World, 2002.  Posted at http://www.mothersunion.org/

World Food Day Prayer

World Food Day is October 16, 2015.  Here's a prayer suitable for that day from the Third Space website.

Prayer to the Spirit on World Food Day

God, the Holy Spirit,

You are the restless wind of love that sweeps through the world.

You blow where you will, breaking down barriers,

Stirring hearts to change, making all things possible.

Make us restless for change – even impossible change.

Come, Spirit of God,

Sweep through our world bringing great change.

May the harvest of your goodness bring justice and hope.

And, for us, transformation in our praying and living,

So all may share in the harvest of your blessings.

Amen.

~ posted on the Third Space website. http://third-space.org.uk/blog

Harvest Prayer of Confession

Here’s a prayer of confession from the Farming Community Network, suitable for a time of harvest or thanksgiving celebrations.

Prayer of Confession during Harvest

As we celebrate your goodness so we confront our own sin,

our greed and insensitivity,

our failure to appreciate what we have

and the opportunities you have given,

our readiness to complain,

our unwillingness to praise.

Father, forgive and renew us.

Food taken for granted,

work unappreciated and poorly rewarded;

self-centred blindness to other’s needs.

Deliberate deafness to the cries of the hungry,

coldness of heart to those deprived of affection,

Father, forgive and renew us.

A landscape threatened and an economy at risk;

a countryside disheartened,

its communities uncertain and confused,

its isolation and exclusion ignored.

Father, forgive and renew us.

May our sins be forgiven,

our blindness, deafness and coldness of heart be healed.

May your renewing spirit rest on us

and fill our nation with your love and hope.

In Jesus’ name. Amen

~ posted in Resources for the Celebration of Harvest Festival,” from the Farming Community Network.  http://fcn.ehclients.com/assets/Resources_for_the_Celebration_of_Harvest_Festival.pdf

Closing Commission: Walk Gently Upon the Earth

Here’s a closing commission for a day of thanksgiving, or a service that focuses on our relationship with creation.  It was posted on the Third Space blog.

Closing Commission and Prayer

May we always walk gently upon the Earth,

in right relationship,

nurtured by your love,

open to the wind of the Spirit,

taking only what we need,

always open to the needs of others,

making choices that bring wellbeing,

living with generosity,

striving for justice,

honouring all with reverence,

reconciling and peacemaking,

mindful of those who will come after,

recognising our proper place as part of your creation.

Grant us the strength and courage, Lord,

for such a radical transformation into your Kingdom.

Amen.

~ from Christian Aid and Christian Ecology Link.  Posted on Third Space blog. http://third-space.org.uk/blog

Prayers of the People: Psalm 65: 5-14

Here’s a prayer of intercession inspired by Psalm 65: 5-14.  It was written by Jeff Shrowder, and posted on The Billabong.

Prayer of Intercession

(based on Psalm 65: 5-14)

Answer us with awesome deeds that put things right,
O God, who saves us;
who is the trust of the ends of the earth, and distant oceans;
who sets the mountains in place;
who is clothed in power;
who stills the roaring seas,
the raging of their waves,
and the unrest of the peoples;
so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth will fear your signs,
and the morning and evening will sing for joy as they set out.

Lord hear us.
Lord, hear our prayer.

You care for the earth and give it abundance,
greatly enriching it.
The irrigation channel is full of water;
you provide grain by preparing (the earth).
Soak its furrows; saturate its unbroken clods!
Let rainshowers soften it, and bless its growth.
Crown the year with your goodness;
Let the places where you pass
and the pastures of the wilderness drip with richness;
Let the hills dress themselves with rejoicing.
The pastures are clothed with young flocks,
the valleys are covered with grain;
they shout and sing for joy.
God of awesome deeds that put things right
strengthen us in uncertain times;
encourage us and those for whom we pray
so that we dream your dreams
and glimpse your vision for your kingdom;
through Jesus Christ our Lord
Amen

~ written by Jeff Shrowder.  For use in worship, with acknowledgement, © Jeff Shrowder 2000.  Posted on The Billabong. http://thebillabong.info/lectionary-2/year-c-luke/62c-sunday-30c/

Prayer: God of Seed and Harvest

Here’s a prayer of praise and blessing inspired by Psalm 65.  It comes from the Third Space website.

Prayer

(inspired by Psalm 65)

“You crown the year with a bountiful harvest;

 even the hard pathways overflow with abundance.” Psalm 65:11

We bless you,
God of Seed and Harvest
And we bless each other
That the beauty of this world
And the love that created it
Might be expressed though our lives
And be a blessing to others
Now and always.  Amen.

~ posted on the Third Space website. http://third-space.org.uk/blog

Prayer for Others: Harvest Thanksgiving

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving and intercession for a harvest celebration.  I can’t remember where I found it.  If you know who wrote it, please let me know so that I can credit them properly.

Prayer of the Church – Harvest Thanksgiving

Our heavenly Father cares for us and knows our need.

In our prayer, let us cast our cares on him in the name of Jesus.

Merciful Father,

you have protected the fruits of the earth

and crowned the year with your blessing.

We give you thanks for physical health,

for the use of our senses,

and for our intellect and thought.

Make us good stewards of our abilities

that we may bring glory to your name every day. 

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

We give you thanks Almighty God

for supplying us with water.

Help us to care for and manage our water resources wisely. 

Have mercy on those who are suffering drought,

and supply clean water to all who need it.

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

We give you thanks, gracious Father,

for all the good things the earth produces. 

By your provision we are clothed and fed and lack no good thing. 

Care for those who live in want

and teach us to be generous with the gifts you have first given us.

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

We give you thanks, Lord God,

for the opportunity to work, learn and rest.

Help us to serve you and others faithfully in our vocation;

and provide work for the unemployed.

Bless all places of learning and students.

Help them to learn what is good, true and beautiful,

to distinguish between right and wrong,

and to contribute to the needs of our society.

Give them strength and growth for the challenges ahead.

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

Heavenly Father,

we give you thanks for works of beauty of every kind. 

By such things you have enriched and added joy to our lives. 

Bless and encourage all that is good and uplifting

in our arts, music and culture.

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

Almighty God,

we thank you for the financial gifts you have blessed us with. 

Teach us to use these gifts in ways that are pleasing to you. 

Warn and correct us when we falsely put our hope in worldly wealth. 

Grant our church the necessary funds

to carry out its work of ministry and mission.   

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

Dear Father,

we thank you for the gift of parents and children,

family and friends. 

Let the light of your love shine in our homes. 

Help us to overcome strife and conflict

with your patience and forgiveness. 

Help parents in the task of raising children. 

Comfort the lonely, and bring them into good company.  

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

We thank you Lord God for the blessings of a free and peaceful society. 

Help those in government and positions of responsibility

to maintain honesty and truth, justice and peace. 

Encourage all our citizens to lead good lives and strive for the common good. 

Lord in your mercy: hear our prayer

Lord God, unless you care for us and give us what we need,

all our work is in vain.

Keep our hearts and minds set firmly on your word,

so that we may always trust in you,

and be generous with the gifts you have given us.

We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord,

who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,

one God, now and forever.

Amen.

~ Source unknown. If you know who wrote this prayer, let me know so that I can credit them.

Prayer: Breadmaker Supreme

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving from the Diocese of Bath and Wells website.

Breadmaker Supreme

Take 3 kilos of flour says the recipe …

We thank you, Lord, for flour:

flour made from wheat or other grain,

grown in the mystery of the earth,

ripened in the warmth of the sun;

ripened, then cut down at the hearvest by the farmer’s skill,

ground by the miller,

sold by the shop assistant,

placed in the bowl…

we thank you, Lord, for flour.

We thank you, Lord, for salt:

Jesus told us we were to be salt of the earth,

and we must never lose our flavour.

The salt, which adds flavour to our food,

is also antiseptic to our wounds,

reminding us of the challenge to our faith

and the healing power of Jesus …

We thank you, Lord, for salt.

We thank you, Lord, for yeast:

that small yet living organism

that enables the bread to rise,

that reminds us of the fact that even small works done in Jesus’ name

can enable the kingdom to grow …

we thank you, Lord, for yeast.

We thank you, Lord, for water:

water, without which none of us could live,

water, which forms the other elements of our bread into dough,

which, having risen, and been formed and drawn into shape by human

hands, is baked to give us the staff of life;

water, which cleanses and renews us,

refreshes and revives us,

the water of baptism, which commits us to our faith …

we thank you, Lord, for water…

We thank you, Lord, for bread:

Bread, the basis of the food we eat,

bread for toast, for sandwiches, for bread and jam,

bread for bread pudding and bread for buns –

and bread that is broken and shared in communion with one another,

in remembrance –

remembrance of that night when Jesus sat with his friends at supper,

and broke the bread and gave it to them,

saying, “This is my body broken for you.”

We thank you, Lord, for bread.

~ posted on the Diocese of Bath and Wells website. http://www.bathandwells.org.uk/

Opening Prayer: Psalm 65

Here’s an opening prayer inspired by Psalm 65.  It was written by Michael Perry.

Preparing for Worship

(inspired by Psalm 65)

Our God, we come together to praise you,

and to renew our promises to you;

for you have overcome our failings,

you have forgiven our sins and answered our prayers:

thank you for sending the rain to make the land rich and fertile,

thank you for filling the streams with water,

thank you for providing the earth with crops,

for making the young plants grow,

thank you for the cattle in the pastures and the sheep upon the hillside;

thank you, Lord, for the harvest. Amen.

~ written by Michael Perry, and posted on the Jubilate website. http://www.jubilate.co.uk/   Visit that site for many other free worship resources and contemporary hymns.  If you use Jubilate material in worship, remember to report it on your CCLI license.

Litany: Setting the Table

Here’s is a litany of preparation at the Lord’s Table.  It was written by Anita Monro.

Setting the Table

Grain is gathered from the field;

threshed and milled for flour.

We are formed from the grain of God’s harvest.

Flour is mixed with water to produce basic dough.

The water of baptism unites us.

Yeast is added to transform the mixture.

The vision of God’s realm draws us onwards.

Oil softens the dough and makes a new texture.

The Holy Spirit anoints us as the body of Christ.

A little salt improves the taste.

Jesus calls us to be the salt of the earth.

The bread is kneaded and shaped, molded and baked.

It is God who makes us a holy communion.

Grapes are harvested and crushed for juice.

You are the vine, we are the branches, O Christ.

Juice and skins are mixed with yeast for fermentation.

God’s reign is coming. God’s hope is here.

There is a time of waiting; then a time of pressing.

God’s new life presses forth through the sediment of our lives.

And finally, the feast is here!

Let us celebrate the feast of our life in God.

~ written by Anita Monro and posted on the MAD-e-Lena blog. http://mad-elena.blogspot.com/   

Harvest Prayer: God of the Bountiful

Here’s a harvest thanksgiving prayer from Christine Sine’s Godspace website. 

She writes: “God’s harvest comes not just in the bounty of the produce we pull out of the garden – it comes in the wonder of his love, in the nourishment of his generosity and in the outpouring of his forgiveness.  I think that this prayer reflects that.  It can be used as a responsive prayer as shown or as an individual prayer.”

God of the Bountiful—A Harvest Prayer

God we thank you for your harvest which feeds us so many times each day.

We are nourished with your forgiveness and hope

We are sustained with your strength and patience

We are filled with your grace and compassion

God we thank you for feeding us with a harvest of plenty

We are restored through your generosity and healing

We are replenished with your abundance and joy

We are reminded of your selfless abandon

God we thank you for feeding us with the bread of heaven

Your gift of Christ sustains our lives

His presence restores the promise of your love

His life fills our hearts with your everlasting light

God we thank you too for filling us with the water of life

May we drink deeply that our thirst may be quenched

May your river continue to flow

Over us, in us, through us

And out into the world you love.

~ Christine Sine, on her website Godspace. http://godspace.wordpress.com/

Thanksgiving Harvest Reflection

Here is a thanksgiving prayer from the Vision 4 Life website.

Harvest Reflection

Harvest of memories

As farmers view their crops,

weigh up the growth and likely yield,

so in this quiet place

my mind seeks patterns

in the landscape of my life.

Growth at times has come

both strong and fruitful;

else when the harvest time has

brought a sparse return

of small and bitter grains.

Plentiful and lush,

dry and meager—

the years have passed

until once more I pause

to sing of

‘All good gifts around ...’

... and with experience fed

by all life’s varied harvest times

my thanks is honest, deep and true.

— from the Vision 4 Life website. http://www.vision4life.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/HarvestRememb-fresh-prayerful-harvest.pdf

Litany for Thanksgiving

Here’s a prayer litany of gratitude and intercession from the Presbyterian Church in Canada.

 A Liturgy for Thanksgiving Sunday

All good gifts around us are sent from heaven above,

so we lift our hearts up to you, God,

in praise and thanksgiving.

As we count our blessings, and acknowledge your goodness,

our hearts go out to those who do not have,

and who are in need.

We thank you for plentiful harvests and full refrigerators

and ask that you supply the needs of those who are hungry.

We thank you for jobs that provide for our families

and supply the needs of our society,

and pray that you would care for those who have no work,

or the dignity and purpose it brings.

We thank you for opportunities and choices,

for meaning and challenges,

and pray that you would give a sense of purpose

to those who feel trapped.

We thank you for family and friends who love us and care for us

and pray that you would befriend those who are alone.

The abundance of the harvest

is a symbol of the abundance of your love in our lives.

May we live in a spirit of gratitude to you

and generosity to our neighbour.

Loving God, in this season and all year long,

give to us the gift of a thankful heart,

so that we may acknowledge you as the giver

of all that is good in our lives.

In the name of Jesus we ask it.

Amen.

~ posted on the Presbyterian Church in Canada website.  http://www.presbyterian.ca/

Thanksgiving: Prayer for Others

On this day,

when family and friends gather to eat, drink

and give thanks for all that we have,

let us also remember those among us that have less to be thankful for.

While we give thanks for this food,

let us remember and pray for the farm workers

whose labors made our meal possible.

Let us remember and pray for the poultry worker, the canner,

the truck driver, the grocery store clerk, and the cooks

who made this meal and all of our meals possible.

And while we pray in thanks,

let us pray all people receive enough through their labors,

so that all can live in security,

and that no one go hungry for lack of decent wages.

Let us seek and find ways to share our nation’s bounty

with all those in need.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen

~ Posted on Interfaith Worker Justice. http://www.iwj.org/resources#faith-prayer-and-worship

Call to Worship: Matthew 25: 14-30

Here’s a call to worship based on Matthew 25: 14-30, the suggested gospel reading for November 13, 2011 (Proper 28A, Ordinary 33A).  It was written by Nancy C. Townley, and posted on the Ministry Matters website. 

Call to Worship

(based on Matthew 25: 14-30)

The time for harvest is close at hand.

What have you done with the gifts God has given you?
We have brought our gifts to the house of the Lord.
Praise God for the gifts and for opportunities for service that they represent.
We praise God for all the ways in which our lives have been blessed.
Generous God, accept our gifts and our lives this day.
Loving God, accept our praise and gratitude. AMEN.

— written by Nancy C. Townley, and posted on the Worship Connection page of the Ministry Matters website. Visit there for other great suggestions for worship on November 13, 2011.

New Song for Thanksgiving: Give Thanks

Here’s a beautiful new contemporary hymn for Thanksgiving, written by William Watkins Reid, Sr.  The text is especially appropriate this year, as tens of thousands of men, women and children in East Africa suffer under the worst famine in a generation.

The copyright for the song is adminstered by Hope Publishing Company, so in order to use it legally you’ll need to have a CCLI, LicenSing or OneLicense copyright license, and report the song’s use.  For more information, visit: www.hopepublishing.com

Give Thanks, My Soul, For Harvest

Give thanks, my soul, for harvest,

for store of fruit and grain,

but know the owner gives

so that we may share again.

Where people suffer hunger,

or little children cry,

with gifts from God's rich bounty

may thankfulness reply.

Give thanks, my soul for riches

of woodland, mine, and hill,

but know that gold and timber

are the Creator's still.

God lends to us, as stewards,

abundance we might share,

and thus provide earth's children

the blessing of God's care.

Give thanks, my soul, for labours,

that strength and days employ,

but know that Maker's purpose

bring toil as well as joy.

Show forth, O God, your purpose;

direct our will and hand

to share your love and

bounty with all in every land.

William Watkins Reid Sr. Words © 1961, renewal 1989 The Hymn Society (admin. Hope Publishing Company)

Tune suggestions:

The hymn is in 7.6.7.6.D meter.  Here are some tunes that would work with this text.

· AURELIA

· LANCASHIRE

· ELLACOMBE  

· WHITFIELD 

For other song suggestions for Thanksgiving Day worship, see these other blog posts:

    Praise & Worship: Thanksgiving

    Traditional Hymns for Thanksgiving

    New Song for Thanksgiving: A Grateful Heart

    New Song for Thanksgiving: With Praise

For other great new hymn texts, be sure to visit Hope Publishing’s Online Hymnody 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.