A Litany for Thanksgiving

The following is a Litany of Thanksgiving that I used last night at the Community Thanksgiving Service in La Porte, Texas. In it I have combined, adapted and expanded the prayers for thanksgiving and national life from the book of common prayer (pg 836-839). Please feel free to adapt and use for your own needs during this week of Thanksgiving.

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Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us saying,

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Creator God, giver of all good things: you have given us the natural majesty and beauty of the earth with its resources that not only sustain life, but also delight and inspire us.

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Almighty God, ruler of heaven and earth, you have given us a land where we are free to worship as we want without fear of repercussion and where we reside in the shadow of your love;

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Redeemer God, for the men and women who have made this country strong by placing their lives on the line for our sake through service in the armed forces: We give you thanks today for each of these; especially we remember Private First Class Cody Norris, the life he gave, and the family he left behind.

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Merciful God, who watches over his creation and those made in his image; you have given a heart of protection to the men and women who serve our community as police officers, fire fighters and emergency medical technicians. We remember all those who care for us in our hour of need.

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Loving God, You have surrounded us with family and friends to journey with us throughout this life. Lord, give us a heart to remember and hands to serve those who have no one to reach out to them.

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Bountiful God, You have given us homes and an abundance of food and drink. Keep us every mindful of those who have no place to sleep and those who have nothing to eat.

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Gracious God, You have given us minds to think, hearts to love and hands to serve; you have given us health and strength to work and leisure time to rest and play;

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Faithful Lord, we thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its rich variety; especially for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.

For your goodness and mercy, "Lord, We give you thanks."

Help us, O Lord, to continue the good work begun here on earth and in this country. Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prejudice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten the day when all our people, with many voices in one united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.