Section:
prayers
Bless this food we have before us, O God. Let it provide the nourishment we need.
Bless this family and our friends gathered around this table. Let us be nourished by our love and care for one another.
Bless those who have less than we have. Let our eyes be open to their needs.
Bless us as we bless your holy name on this day of thanksgiving. Let us praise and thank you always in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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For those who choose to sing a blessing:
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below.
Praise God above, ye heav’nly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
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You, Most High, are the giver of all good gifts.
Thank you for the abundant blessings of food, shelter, family, and friends. From our hearts, we give you special thanks for . . . (each person can name something for which they are grateful)… For each of these blessings we are grateful and we pray through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Pray with St. Francis:
“All-powerful, most holy, most high, supreme God: all good, supreme good, totally good, You Who alone are good, may we give You all praise, all glory, all thanks, all honor, all blessing, and all good. So be it! So be it! Amen.”
From Francis Assisi: Early Documents Vol. 1, edited by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM Cap., J.A. Wayne Hellmann, OFM Conv., William J. Short, OFM. New York: New City Press, 1999, page 162. Used with permission.
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Loving and Compassionate One, we gather on this Thanksgiving Day to share our love and friendship and the overflowing goodness of your love seen on and around this table. Bless those whose livelihood comes from toiling the earth: the farmers, growers, and pickers of this bounty. Bless us as we share from their labors. Bless all who have less than we have and help us to care for them as generously as you care for us. Bless each of us gathered at this table. Help us to grow in love for one another. As we gather we remember those who have gone before us gathered in your loving embrace. May we always remember them in love. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Litany of Thanksgiving:
For the gift of life, We thank you.
For the gift of family,
For the gift of this food,
For our friends,
For laughter,
For our safety,
For our shelter,
For the gift of love,
For the abundance of your love, O God,
