Lord God
what can we offer in thanks to the one who has given us all?
How can we bring our praises to the one who blesses us in wonderful abundance?
It is hard to figure out how to express our gratitude, to decide where to begin to offer our gratefulness
[pause]
we being with that which is around us
this building in which we can gather, a physical testament to generations of faithful worship in this place
those sitting to our left and right, in front and behind us
together our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ
the clothes on our back and the money in our wallets or purses
thank you Lord God for all we have
we recall before you those who have no roof above their head, no where to rest their weary heads, no place to be safe and secure
May they know safety and security in you, Lord God.
We recall those who clothes are tattered and torn, through violence, poverty, injustice
Guide our hands to end violence and poverty, bring into being justice, that all may be clothed
Guide the minds of law makers and law enforcers that violence and poverty may be ended
that justice will prevail across this land and across your world
And grant to us the courage to put our words into actions, that we truly will be people who do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with the Lord our God
for in so doing, all who are touched by our actions know they are blessed and loved by God
Amen