A Prayer for Thanksgiving: Speaking to the Soul, November 24, 2022

God of Abundant Grace,
your love preserves us
and calls us to wakefulness and compassion:
we raise our hearts in thankfulness and praise.

You, O God, call all the stars by their names,
and set them dancing overhead to our wonder and delight.
You teach the birds their songs
that lighten our hearts and call us to joy.
You have called us into community for our flourishing,
and called us to companionship in your Way of Love.

May we tend to the earth, and to each other,
with steadfastness and gratitude,
always seeing your imprint, Lord Christ,
wherever we look.

May we treasure friends and loved ones,
companions and fellow travelers on this earth,
and reach out to those around us in love and kindness.

May we be brave in loving,
bold in giving,
steadfast in hoping,
and grateful in all things.

May we seek to mend the wounds we have created,
and forgive those who have hurt us.

May we ever cultivate being honorable and compassionate,
being just while loving mercy and grace,
seeking purity while acknowledging our humanity.

Holy One, send your angels to tend to those
who call upon You and depend upon your care,
especially those away from home,
and those whose needs we place before You,
that your peace, surpassing all our knowing,
may be our embodied prayer.

Amen.

This was first published at Episcopal Journal and Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on November 24, 2022.

Prayer for Giving Thanks: Speaking to the Soul, November 25, 2021

God of Abundant Grace,
your love preserves us
and calls us to wakefulness and compassion:
we raise our hearts in thankfulness and praise.
We give thanks for the First Nations
on whose land we now live:
may we seek justice,
and honor each other in holiness.

You, O God, call all the stars by their names,
and set them dancing overhead to our wonder and delight.
You teach the birds their songs
that lighten our hearts and call us to joy.
May we tend to the earth, and to each other,
with steadfastness and gratitude,
always seeing your imprint, Lord Christ,
wherever we look.

May we treasure friends and loved ones,
companions and fellow travelers on this earth,
and reach out to those around us in love and kindness.
May we seek to mend the wounds we have created,
and forgive those who have hurt us.
May we ever cultivate being honorable and compassionate,
being just while loving mercy and grace,
seeking purity while acknowledging our humanity.
Holy One, send your angels to tend to those
who call upon You and depend upon your care,
especially those away from home,
and those whose needs we place before You,
that your peace, surpassing all our knowing,
may be our embodied prayer.

Amen.

This was first published at Episcopal Cafe's Speaking to the Soul on November 25, 2021.

Image: detail from Hunger by Walter User, photographed at Philbrook Museum, Tulsa, OK.

Prayer 2611: Prayer for Sheltering in Place

We bow before you, 
O Love that Sustains the Universe,
and offer our hearts
to be filled by your presence.
Make our hearts a holy habitation, O Holy One,
a living sacrifice, 
that we may be anointed by your Spirit.

The Earth your footstool,
the heavens your tapestry of light,
the smallest seed and the mightiest baobab,
the pinwheel of birds
gathering food by your providence,
the beating hearts of loved ones in companionship--
You have made them all, O Wisdom Eternal,
and your wonders whirl before our dazzled eyes.

Still our rushing heedlessness,
that we may give glory to You, Blessed Savior,
and lay our hearts bare to receive your Word
in joy and gratitude.

This day is your gift, O God;
may we center ourselves
in each moment
by your grace,
for You are our steadfast help and stay.

Bend near to those who seek your face, Blessed Jesus,
that we may see you everywhere we look,
from our rising to our resting.
Anoint us to your service, we humbly pray,
and grant your blessing to those we now name.

Amen.

written on the first day a stay at home order was placed over St. Louis City and County

Prayer, day 2494: on Thanksgiving Day

God of Abundant Grace, 
your love preserves us 
and calls us to wakefulness and compassion: 
we raise our hearts in thankfulness and praise. 

You, O God, call all the stars by their names, 
and set them dancing overhead to our wonder and delight. 
You teach the birds their songs 
that lighten our hearts and call us to joy. 
May we tend to the earth, and to each other,
with steadfastness and gratitude, 
always seeing your imprint, Lord Christ,
wherever we look. 

May we treasure friends and loved ones, 
companions and fellow travelers on this earth, 
and reach out to those around us in love and kindness. 
May we seek to mend the wounds we have created,
and forgive those who have hurt us.
May we ever cultivate being honorable and compassionate,
being just while loving mercy and grace,
seeking purity while acknowledging our humanity.
Holy One, send your angels to tend to those
who call upon You and depend upon your care,
especially those away from home,
and those whose needs we place before You,
that your peace, surpassing all our knowing,
may be our embodied prayer.

Amen.


Shaped by Philippians 4:4-9, the epistle for Thanksgiving Day

Prayer 2357

My soul is content and at rest within me
because I feel your loving hand upon me;
my heart is full of gratitude.
Your love overshadows me, O Merciful One,
and I will evermore sing your praise.

Lord Jesus, lead us in wisdom and empathy,
that we use our strength
for the protection of the vulnerable,
and to bind up the wounds of the hurting.

For all the blessings we have received from God
may we in turn be a blessing to others,
welcoming the lost with kindness,
dealing kindly with the defenseless.

Receive with kindliness, O Shepherd,
our whispered prayers and praises,
and lend your aid to all those who seek your peace,
especially those for whom we pray by name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2313

Holy God, we give thanks to You
for your gracious mercy upon us,
and for the beauty of loving hearts in the world.

We thank You for steadfast and faithful friends,
whose love and support strengthens us each day.
We thank You for the glory of your creation,
which inspires us to love and care for this Earth.
We thank You for your angels
who bend over us at sleep or at work or at play.

Kindle our hearts and minds with a holy fire
to serve and worship You with all that we have.
Soothe the pains and sorrows of those who mourn today.
Accept the whispered supplications of your people, O Holy One,
and scatter the blessings of your love and tenderness
upon those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer, day 2279

Holy One,
we offer You our thanks and praise
as we rise from our beds to do your work today.
We thank You
for making us a part of your glorious creation,
for the splendor of earth and sky. 

We thank you
for the grace of a new bloom
where yesterday there was only green:
may we rejoice in the beauty that we too often rush past,
slow down and mark your goodness to us
in all things. 

We thank You
for the people we will meet this day, Lord Jesus,
and pray that we will be a blessing to them.
May our love and action
be a testimony of your eternal truth and lovingkindness
in all things. 

Merciful God,
You know our joys and concerns:
bless and hallow all those whom lift up to You
as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2278

Almighty God,
your hand has upheld us
through the watches of the night:
we lift up our hearts in gratitude and praise!

Bring us to unity,
founded on true justice,
that we may testify to your presence
within our hearts and minds,
Blessed Jesus.

Refresh and restore our spirits, O Holy One,
and bring us to live joyfully
our resurrected life in You, Lord Christ.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
strengthen us in mercy and lovingkindness,
O Creator and Redeemer,
and grant your peace and ease to those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Prayer 2125: On Thanksgiving Day

God of Abundant Grace,
your love preserves us
and calls us to wakefulness and compassion:
we raise our hearts in thankfulness and praise.

You, O God, call all the stars by their names,
and set them dancing overhead to our wonder and delight.
You teach the birds their songs
that lighten our hearts and call us to joy.

May we tend to the earth,
and to each other,
with steadfastness and gratitude,
always seeing your imprint, Lord Christ,
wherever we look.
May we treasure friends and loved ones,
companions and fellow travelers on this earth,
and reach out to those around us in love and kindness.
May we seek to mend the wounds we have created,
and forgive those who have hurt us.

Holy One, send your angels to tend to those
who call upon You and depend upon your care,
especially those away from home,
and those whose needs we place before You.

Amen.

Prayer 2053: A Song of Praise

In peace,
I rest in contemplation before you, O Creator:
your mercies are new every morning.
The heavens dance to the melody of creation:
as I rise and turn my face to the sun, 
let me sing a song of gratitude
from the foundation of my soul,
for I know that our Redeemer lives.

Let my delight and faith in you, O God,
always be green and flourishing:
plant my heart within your domain,
in the verdant garden of your grace,
and enclose me within the beauty of your dwelling.

Blessed Jesus, my hope is ever in you:
You are my companion and my shield,
my savior and my shepherd.

Lead us into wisdom and compassion,
O Spirit of Healing and Holiness,
that we remember our kinship with all the earth
and walk mindfully in companionship with all creation.
Holy One, anoint us with the oil of gladness,
and grant your peace like a balm
upon those for whom we pray.

Amen.

Illustration: a Dine Tree of Life rug.

Prayer, day 1949: Thankfulness and service

Holy God, we give thanks to You
for your gracious mercy upon us,
and for the beauty of loving hearts in the world. 

We thank You for steadfast and faithful friends,
whose love and support strengthens us each day.
We thank You for the glory of your creation,
which inspires us to love and care for this Earth.
We thank You for your angels who bend over us
at sleep or at work or at play.
Kindle our hearts and minds with a holy fire
to serve and worship You with all that we have.
Soothe the pains and sorrows of those who mourn this week
those lost in defense of hearth and home. 

Accept the whispered supplications of your people, O Holy One, and scatter the blessings of your love and tenderness upon those we now name. 

Amen.
863, 1210

Prayer 1946: Inspired by Psalm 20

Life-Giving Creator,
You have woven love into the fabric of creation:
look with favor upon us this day,
and prosper our witness to your wondrous deeds and power.

Defend us in all our journeys, O Merciful God,
and strengthen us in kindness and integrity,
that we may flourish in the Way of Jesus
and lighten the hearts of those who search or struggle,
through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Accept the sacrifice we offer before You, Almighty One,
a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving,
that we remember to embody your compassion and mercy,
walking in the light of Christ,
the Incarnate Word who shows us how to live.

Spread the awning
of your abundant and verdant mercy, O Lord,
over all who call to You, we humbly pray,
and answer and bless those whose whispered prayers we lift before You.

Amen.

Prayer 1786: Third Sunday in Advent (Gaudete or Joy Sunday)

Rest upon us, Spirit of God,
that we may proclaim your Truth
by lifting up the lowly
and caring for the hungry
as our Messiah taught us.

Make us mighty oaks of righteousness,
that we may sink our roots deep
into the soil of lovingkindness and charity
you have prepared for us to walk in with joy.

Let our souls proclaim
the beauty of our God and Savior
who is creating the heavens and the Earth,
that true justice and hope
will draw the world to redemption and peace.

Help us to point not to ourselves,
but to You, O God,
as the Source and Ground of our being
to embody your light of faith into the world.

Unite us to each other
as we hold fast to your promises of mercy, O God,
and make us worthy
to be filled with your compassion, grace, and mercy.

Blessed Jesus, we rest in your embrace;
set the seal of your redemption and love
upon those who call upon You in hope.

Amen.

Prayer 1785: for ministry and dedication

Myself, the Rev. Dr. Maria Evans, and the Rev. Andrew Suitter
 after our grand ordination adventure was finally complete on December 17, 2016.
In the midst of an ice storm, Andrew and I were ordained on December 16,
and Maria was ordained the following morning after being stranded the night before.

(On the first anniversary of our ordination to the transitional diaconate)

Breathe upon us, Breath of God,
and consecrate us to your use, O Merciful One:
make us instruments of your love
transformed by your grace.
All that we have and are
we offer to you, O God:
make us worthy to stand before You, we pray.

Help us to minister to all we encounter,
be fully present to those we meet,
and honor your light in every face, O Savior.
Open our hearts to answer your call,
O Emmanuel,
to sow love and justice
even in the rockiest soils in our spirits
and throughout our journey today.
Give us voices to sing your praise, Lord Christ,
and the courage to witness to your gospel,
and set our feet surely
within the path of holiness and peace.

By the power of the Holy Spirit,
place your hand over us and guard us, O God,
and all whose needs we remember before You as we pray.

Amen.

Prayer, Day 1763- For Thanksgiving Day

O God,
Source of Continuous Blessings,
Creator of All,
we bow our heads
and lift our grateful hearts to You. 

We ask your blessing, O God,
on those who stand resolute,
protecting your good Earth,
its forests, plains, mountains, and waters.
Help us remember that
the bounty we enjoy
comes from your creation,
for you called us to serve the land,
not dominate it.

Help us to embrace our loved ones,
of birth and of choice,
and joyfully express our love for them.
Remember those who travel
or work to keep us safe this day,
and place your right hand of power over them.

Help us be decisive
in ensuring the blessings of our abundance
are shared with all.  Let us remember that gratitude
is the life You call us to live into,
and that it is rooted in peace
and justice for all.
Give us hearts
to care for our neighbor
and bid welcome to the stranger,
reflecting your grace, mercy,
and lavish love.

In all things,
You fill our hearts with your blessing:
envelop those we name
in your shalom,
we pray.

Amen.
1463

Prayer, day 1722: gratitude in every moment

God of the universe,
accept our prayers and praises
as we ponder your mighty works
and abundant grace. 

When dawn comes,
bearing its golden gifts of promise,
You are beside us;
your eye never sleeps.
At midday,
your light illumines our hearts,
and we pause to give you thanks 
and remember your lovingkindness. 
As the evening sun draws us
from labor to rest,
your hand, O Holy One,
rests upon us in companionship and peace.
When night descends like a curtain,
you place your mantle over us
and send your angels to guard our sleep.

In all things we remember
the life that You have given us thrums in our veins,
making us kindred with all the living Earth.

It is in You
and through You
and with You
that we have our being, Lord Christ:
we lay bare our hearts before You.

Move over us
as the Spirit moved over the waters at the dawn of time,
and create in us hearts eager to love and serve You.

Amen.
1375

Prayer 1698: for justice and unity

Almighty God, our Protector and Help,
we lift our hearts in thankfulness
for your care of us through the night.
Your blessings to us are without number:
even our breath is a gift from You, O Holy One.

Let us use our breath
to proclaim your mercy and peace in the world,
and work to restore our broken relationships.
Give us strength and wisdom
to embody your redemption to the lost,
and your hope to conquer despair and fear.

Help us to put our trust in You, O God,
in your promises of mercy, grace, and healing.
Let us treat each other with forbearance and compassion,
in a spirit of humility and charity.
Lead us to break the chains of violence
which we have forged through our actions
or our silence.
Help us take up your call
to heal the broken places in ourselves
and in each other
through your Love revealed to us.
Let us join hands in faith in your promises,
and sing our prayer:
"Let there be peace on Earth,
and let it begin with me."

Almighty God, we rest in your embrace:
help us to embrace all those who call upon You,
especially those we now name.

Amen.

Prayer 1623: as a mother rocks her child

"There is a crack in everything; that's how the light gets in."- Leonard Cohen, "Anthem"

Spirit of the Living God,
you have carried us through the night
as a mother rocks her child:
your mercy is everlasting.

Shine the light of your countenance upon us,
and hear our whispered praises and thanksgivings.

Abide within our hearts and minds, O Holy One;
lead us to holiness and compassion.

Through the power of love
let us work to build up your kingdom
and repair the torn places
within ourselves and each other.

Gentle us and make us peace-makers,
as we seek to witness to your wisdom
to the honor of your Name.

Extend the comfort of your embrace
to all who suffer in body, mind, or spirit,
to all whose seek the way of hope. 

Send forth your angels, we pray,
to guide and guard those whose needs we lay before You.

Amen.

Prayer 1552: in pathways of hope and healing

Morphos in motion at the Butterfly House: the beauty of God's creation!

Most Merciful God, we offer you our hearts,
filled with thanks and praise for your saving help.
Happy are those who walk in the Way of Love,
upheld by grace and gratitude!
Keep us, O Lord, as the apple of your eye,
and lead us in the ways of justice and peace.
Purify us that we may be one with Christ,
and unified in love with all creation, we humbly pray.
Hide us under the shadow of your wings
when we need respite,
and strengthen us to bear witness to your truth in our lives.
Remembering your forgiveness and lovingkindness,
may we deal compassionately with others,
loving each other as ourselves.
O Bright Morningstar,
lead us into pathways of hope and healing,
and shine your light upon those we now remember.

Amen.

Prayer 1525: Morning by morning your mercies I see

The path towward light

(inspired by the poetry of John Keble)

In thankfulness for the light
singing its way into being,
we give You praise, O God,
for your unfailing mercy and love.

You abide with us
in both sorrow and in joy,
in anxiety and in rest;
your mercies are new every morning.

Awaken us to see your face, Lord Christ,
in all your beloved creation,
in those known and unknown to us.

Help us to amend our hearts and steps
to walk in your beauty and light,
upholding us all our days.

Help us remember that heaven is our home,
and our home is beneath our feet,
in this good earth filled with light and love.

Dear Jesus, guard the hearts and hopes
of all those who turn to You,
sustaining us by your grace,
as we make our prayer to you.

Amen.