A gift for you this Thanksgiving holiday
A Giving of Thanks Blessing
Creator God—most loving, most tender
provider of all we need,
bless all of us gathered at this table today;
a day set aside to give thanks
for all that is, all we have, all we love, all we share.
So many years ago— four hundred or so—
the Wampanoag peoples and pilgrims feasted together
in harmony and on a harvest of plenty
at the early beginnings of our country.
Bless all Native Americans and all Americans, pilgrims still.
Bless all immigrants looking for safe harbor.
So many years of traditions swirl and twine
through families in this season of giving thanks—
rejoicing with turkey, ham, lobster, or vegan delight,
secret recipes of squash, sweet potato or black-eyed peas,
fudge, pumpkin, apple or pecan pie.
Bless all who are hungry, and guide them to places to be fed.
So many years have farmers and ranchers
planted and raised crops and animals
to feed, nourish, sustain, and clothe
all the peoples throughout this golden land.
Bless all farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and food workers.
So many years have there been those persons
who can not come home,
who will not come home,
who are not welcome home.
Bless them and give them safe harbor.
My sweet God,
Draw us ever deeper into your loving embrace,
open our hearts to the true bounty we have,
and what we may share with our neighbor—
in food, in goods, in justice, and loving-kindness.
May it be so. Alleluia.
—Kerrie G Anderson, 2020
