Not long ago, while search for a book, I came across a book of prayers that I had not opened in a while.  It is by Kenneth G. Phifer titled A Book of Uncommon Prayer. Thumbing through it I found a Prayer for Thanksgiving Day which I found interesting.  As the days of November move toward our own Thanksgiving, I hope you will give his prayer some thought.  I share a portion with you.

 

                              "I will praise the name of God with a song:

                    I will magnify him with thanksgiving."

          So wrote the Psalmist long ago.

          I am grateful, O Lord, for all the impulses to praise you

                    which come to me in life.

          Even in the discouragement of some situation wherein I feel

                    helpless and totally inadequate,

          I feel the impulse to grow and do the best I can.

          Amid the pain and the hurt that life can bring,

                    I find solace and comfort that come to me from

                              friends and loved ones.

          Just at the time I feel most alone,

                    there are evidences of the concern of others

                              and assurances of your Presence.

          I am not always conscious of these realities, God…

 

          I withdraw from life around me,

                    take pity on myself for misfortunes

                              and feel no desire to praise.

 

          Then I am startled into a new awareness

                    by a flower, a song, a persistent friend, a gift, a smile.

          Almost in spite of myself I am lifted up

                    and lifted out into thanksgiving and life begins again

 

          I am thankful, O God, that you keep prodding me

                    and pushing me into joy and celebration.

          I am thankful for spoken word and silent gestures,

                    for laughter and outstretched hands,

                    for back-door mercies and winding graces that enwrap me.

 

          I am thankful for the music of the heart

                    and music of the human voice…

          I will praise your name, O Lord, with a song.

          I will magnify you with thanksgiving.

                    Through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Amen

                   

                                                                      Blessings

                                                                                Pastor Kurt+