Prayer of Thanksgiving for Surprises

For a friend’s unexpected call,

for a letter unforeseen,

for the sunlight bursting through thick clouds,

for a porpoise frolicking in the water,

for seals basking in the sun,

for an invitation to dinner on a lonely eve,

for a request to “come along”;

for all the wonderful surprises of life

we give you thanks, O God of joy. Amen.

Vienna Cobb Anderson | Source: Adapted from “Prayers of Our Hearts” © 1991

Thank You for This Earth

O God,

We thank you for this earth, our home; for the wide sky and the blessed sun, for the ocean and streams, for the towering hills and the whispering wind, for the trees and green grass.

We thank you for our senses by which we hear the songs of birds, and see the splendor of fields of golden wheat, and taste autumn’s fruit, rejoice in the feel of snow, and smell the breath of spring flowers.

Grant us a heart opened wide to all this beauty; and save us from being so blind that we pass unseeing when even the common thornbush is aflame with your glory.

For each new dawn is filled with infinite possibilities for new beginnings and new discoveries. Life is constantly changing and renewing itself. In this new day of new beginnings with God, all things are possible. We are restored and renewed in a joyous awakening to the wonder that our lives are and, yet, can be.

May We Appreciate and Remember

Today may we appreciate this food and remember those who are hungry.

May we appreciate our family and friends and remember those who are alone.

May we appreciate our health and remember those who are sick.

May we appreciate the freedoms we have and remember those who suffer injustice and tyranny.

Peace on earth.

Beliefnet member LisetteFC

The Blessing of Unanswered Prayers

I asked for strength that I might achieve;

I was made weak that I might learn humbly to obey.

I asked for health that I might do greater things;

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I asked for riches that I might be happy;

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I asked for power that I might have the praise of men;

I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God.

I asked for all things that I might enjoy life;

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

I got nothing that I had asked for,

but eveything that I had hoped for.

Almost despite myself my unspoken prayers were answered;

I am, among all men, most richly blessed.

Unknown Confederate soldier

PRAYER; THANKSGIVING; GRATITUDE; WORSHIP