Litany of Thanksgiving
By Paul Ashton, Psy.D., D.Min.
Consultant to the VIRTUS® Programs
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit. —Dr. Albert Schweitzer
"Come ye thankful people come!" It is a wonderful time of year that most everyone enjoys. Pumpkin pie, turkey, stuffing and all of the 'fixins' make for a magnificent holiday made with love, served to those we love.
Taking the time to say "thank you" is a wonderful way to make the holiday even more special. In this litany of thanks for the ordinary and extraordinary people in our lives, fill in the person's name from your own life who fits the category. Think of them as you offer this prayer of thanksgiving and send them loving and generous thoughts of gratitude. To make this prayer come alive, pick one person from the litany below and let that special person in your life know of your gratitude for them. Send them a note, a text, email or make them a pie! How wonderful it is to be thankful!
A Litany of Thanksgiving
Lord of the Harvest, You fill us with the bounty of Your Love. We come to You today to raise up those in our lives who bless us in ordinary ways with extraordinary love, care and kindness. Bless those we mention with an abundance of Your grace and love, that they might see the fullness of our gratitude for the good works they do for all.
In thanksgiving for our parents, or parental figures who love and care for us. We are thankful for the goodness they showed us from the very beginning of our lives. May God's blessings of happiness and good health be overflowing upon them all of their days.
In thanksgiving for our teachers who enlivened wonder and excitement about the world around us. May God watch over them and bless them with peace and tranquility.
In thanksgiving for our families who formed us to be the persons of love we are today. May our good and gracious God fill their hearts with joy and love for themselves and all they encounter.
In thanksgiving for our friends and neighbors who lift us up and care for us. May God return to their doors the same love, care and concern in abundance.
In thanksgiving for our doctors, nurses, dentists, health care workers attend to our needs and help us to remain whole. May God bless them with health, wisdom and patience for all they encounter who need them.
In thanksgiving for those who protect us from harm and guide us. May God's loving presence surround them with care and protection all the days of their lives.
In thanksgiving for the stranger who calls us to be better Christians. May God fill them with love and peace that they may never feel alone.
In thanksgiving for those who volunteer and raise up the lowly. May our God of abundant love be their constant companion as they minister to those who need them most.
In thanksgiving for those who have helped us on our journey. May our tender and loving God accompany them and be their guide watching over all of their footsteps.
In thanksgiving for our leaders who show us the way. May our powerful God inspire them daily and be a light unto their path that they may never feel lost or afraid.
In thanksgiving to You, dear God, for all You have done for us. We thank You for all of the good and wonderful blessings You have bestowed upon us and for the great gift of life which allows us to experience Your awesome creation and beauty. We are ever grateful for the generous people You send our way each day to help us on our journey and who manifest Your love for us in so many ways. We pause this Thanksgiving to ask your blessings on all those who need You the most, and we pledge to be Your constant messengers of peace, hope and love to all we meet. We promise to be more mindful of our blessings, and to accept our woes with grace and dignity sacrificing for love of You and our neighbor. Be with us, dear God as we walk through the days of our lives with joyful and grateful hearts filled with an endless prayer of thanksgiving.
In Your Holy Name, the people say, thank you, God. Amen!
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