A Thanksgiving
prayer

The world on Thanksgiving Day, 2007 presents us with many challenges, but help us to be mindful of the many good things, people and deeds that surround us every moment of the day.

We acknowledge that we often do not reach out to those in need of human kindness as much as we should, that we are sometimes selfish and have taken the gifts bestowed so richly upon us for granted.

We realize there is sorrow in many homes, and indeed, many nations. Help us not to turn away from it, but rather, give us the courage and strength to mould the world and our community into a better place.

Especially help us to see all the beauty around us -- not only that of the trees, the oceans and the mountains, but also the beauty of our fellow human beings, imperfections and all.

Sometimes we forget that although we are all a little different -- black and white, Muslim and Christian, rich and poor, we are all created equal.

We especially pray for our country and our men and women serving in foreign lands. We pray for our president, and that our leaders will make moral and just decisions.

As we gather with friends and family tomorrow and give thanks for all that we have, help us to be humble. Help us to see that while we have been blessed with many gifts, they are meaningless unless we use them to help make the world a better place.

Finally, we pray that God will wash his goodness over us this Thanksgiving, and that we in turn will use our gifts and his grace to make this a more loving and peaceful world.