Friday Prayer, November 17, 2017

I’m thinking of you, friends, as we approach Thanksgiving next week. It’s a time when we feel the full emotional gamut, don’t you think?

There are kids home from college and cross–country journeys to visit grandparents. There are crazy, frenetic, expensive trips to and fro at airports. There’s the ache of loved ones who are missed at the table, and the joy (albeit cacophonous noise!) of babies who’ve been added.

There is a freshly inflicted pain we feel in broken relationships at holiday time, just as there is a deeply-seated hope and trust in God’s promise to heal all things. There is the realization this past year wasn’t at all what we’d planned on or hoped for alongside the reflection that much unexpected beauty was also harvested.

And there is this recurring challenge and perpetual prayer that God might open our eyes to the blessings buried right beneath us – the ground, the place, on which we stand right now. Maybe it’s a place we love and maybe it’s a place we don’t want to be – buried treasure’s been found even beneath feet stuck in mud.

Wherever this time of year finds you – know that with God is holding you in it, and has more good yet in store. Because that’s the beautiful God we love and serve.

I think it was Richard Rohr who said, “Choose gratitude until you are grateful.”

And we can.

Because of God.

Who is with you.

And in you.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.

***

 

Loving God,

In all things, I can say thank you.

 

Not because I am comfortable,

but because I am not alone.

 

And not just companioned in this journey,

but held, loved, supported, blessed.

 

By You.

 

The One who promises

there is always, always abundance.

 

The One who soothingly says,

‘All will be well.’

 

The One who gives

enough light,

enough wisdom,

and enough peace

to embrace today

with vulnerability

and humble gratitude.

 

Your gifts come in all kinds of ways.

Please help me not to miss them.

Especially the little ones.

 

And as I am witness to your work,

still my soul long enough to pause,

and say, Thank You.

 

Through Christ, who lived gratitude

in all times….

 

Amen.