Thanksgiving Day

Lord, on this day, I pray to offer you my poor gratitude.
Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "beggar that I am, I am even poor in thanks."
Lord, make me in rich in thanks, increase my gratitude
As you have increased my blessings.

Then teach me Lord to render my gratitude back to you
In an abundance that is fitting to the abundance of blessings you have poured out on me.
Help me to remember that Thanksgiving is not an occasion to resent what I lack,
But to appreciate what I have.

Thank you Lord, for all our many blessings,
For warm dry homes, for enough to eat,
For healthy children, and for those who are not healthy,
For our own health, even when it fails.

Lord, thank You for our accomplishments and our successes,
But even more for our failures and our fears,
For it is the times of trial that best make us
Turn again to You.

And thank you, Lord, for loved ones and friends,
Without whose support and encouragement
We could not hope to triumph in your name
Over your enemies.

Lord, send an angel to stand beside me,
And every father,
And give us the grace to be
The men you would have us be.