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 expressing 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, as well as 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 all 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.
—Submitted by Ideal Park Christian Reformed Church, Wyoming, Michigan
