A Simple Thanksgiving Grace

Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything.  Amen.

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Photo Credit: © carmelod – Fotolia.com

Harvest Thanks

For the promise of harvest
contained within a seed
we thank you.
For the oak tree
within an acorn
The bread
within a grain
The apple
within a pip
The mystery of nature
gift wrapped
for us to sow
we thank you.

Source: Faith and Worship—Christian Prayers and Resources

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Photo Credit: cjrobnme – Fotolia.com

The 23rd Psalm

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

 and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

~~~

Photo Credit:  © Patrik Stedrak - Fotolia.com

NOTES

This is a Prayer and Thanksgiving Month post. 

 From the King James version of the Bible.

I have always found this to be one of the most comforting prayers I have ever heard. I understand why it is so often said at funerals and memorial services.

The musical version of this prayer by Bobby McFerrin is dedicated to his mother and uses the feminine pronoun—a moving YouTube video.

The Prayer of St. Francis

Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace;

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is error, the truth;

Where there is doubt, the faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled, as to console;

To be understood, as to understand;

To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

~~~

Photo Credit: © Perseomedusa - Fotolia.com

NOTES

This is a Prayer and Thanksgiving Month post. 

For more on the history of this beautiful prayer, read The Prayer of St. Francis on Wikipedia. St. Francis is the patron saint of animals and ecology. He was born in Assisi, Italy on November 26, 1182.

For an inspiring musical version, Make me a Channel of Your Peace, enjoy this YouTube video by Angelina.