A Thanksgiving Prayer

A Thanksgiving Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, On this Thanksgiving Day we pause to reflect on a year which has provided great blessings, and some heartache all of which come with the knowledge that You have never left our side. We thank you for the richness of life which is manifested in our daily experiences. It is in the texture of such experiences we find joy, hope and the most precious gift of all, love. We thank you for bringing us together in marriage. Our lives are made whole in the love we share, a love which is given to us freely. It is our privilege and obligation to reflect this great love as an example of your love of us to our children, our friends, and even to strangers we encounter. The blessings of our children continue to bring us joy. As we continue to watch them move into adulthood we are filled with joy in their accomplishments and ask that you will continue to be with them as they go out into the world to find their way. For parents who continue to serve as examples of Godliness to us we feel especially grateful. While this has been a trying year, we are thankful they are still with us and thank you for every day we are given to share with them. Our extended family continues to grow and move in their own directions. Each has been given special gifts and abilities. Our prayer is for each of them to recognize and fully utilize these gifts. Remind them that these gifts are blessings from you and should be used in service to You and their fellow man. For the special gifts you have given to us. Keep us focused on the work you have called us to do in our work, in our families, in our communities and in our church. As our church transitions through an especially difficult time I personally ask for wisdom to lead them in the path you have laid out for us. Give me courage, compassion and sensitivity to deal with the issues which we face in moving the church forward. Finally, we come to you to thank you for the life you have given us, a life of love, a life of challenge, a life of opportunity. Allow us to be a reflection of Your love for us as we go about our daily lives. It is with truly grateful hearts we pray to you this Thanksgiving Day. Amen