This time of the year makes me long for the farm, for I love the sight and smell of the earth in the midst of harvest and sowing. Harvested corn fields lie in a dirty golden array, clipped beans fields are shorn to a barren display, and the neat tracks of drilled wheat rows run silently, narrowly, end to end, side to side, setting the stage for hope to emerge in the early morning mist of tomorrow’s dawning. My heart sings a new song of praise at the very thought of these and I turn to God, and I share with you my prayer: 

For your Love, O God, which knew me before I ever was, which abides in me and around me in the walking of this earth, and which will claim me beyond the silence of this body’s shell, I give you thanks.

For your Call, O God, poured into me by a Spirit of understanding, spoken to my heart in a Voice of assurance, and drawing me from the fields of the earth to the fields of humanity, I give you thanks.

For the gift of Baptism, O God, which daily washes me in mercy, which claims and wraps me in forgiveness much undeserved, and which unifies me with people throughout the wisdom of your creation, I give you thanks.

For the gift of welcome at your Table of Grace, O God, where all are seated and fed by nail-scarred hands, where the abundance of redemptive compassion is piled high, and where our cups are filled to overflowing by the blood of your Love among us, I give you thanks.

For the gift of your Son, Jesus, who saw me in the field and did not turn away, who strengthens and counsels and teaches in every moment, who carries me far more than I can ever know, I give you thanks, O God.

For the gift of your Spirit, O God, no, you have not left us alone, you are present, powerful, gathering, directing, creating, blessing, quieting, disquieting, healing, making whole, and I give you thanks.

For the gift of your Church with no denominational name, O God, and for the work you accomplish in the Body of Christ in terms of justice, peace, righteousness and holiness: you are far beyond our wisdom and understanding, I give you thanks.

For the gift of this church, this particular expression of the Body of Christ, and for the Spirit of family, community, hospitality, faithfulness and integrity which guide it’s daily work in the kingdom, I give you thanks.

For my brothers and sisters in Baptism who come from all walks of life, O God, and for the unity of the Spirit which challenges prejudice, bigotry, and hatred with expressions of love, tolerance, and understanding, I give you thanks.

For my family, O God, for Nancy, Matthew, Raymond and Ched, for parents and grandparents, for sisters and brothers, for extended family, all who share a sense of the Holy in service to you, I give you thanks.

And for listening, O God, for simply listening: to every time I raise a prayer of thankfulness or concern; to every time I have a gripe or a joy; to every time I list a frustration or a pleasure; to every time I pound a fist or fold my hands; to every time I have to weep or be silent when there are simply no words of solace; to every time I share a parent’s worry or celebrate their joy; to even this moment and my stumbling words of adoration, I give you thanks.

Receive these thoughts and prayers and bless them in your care. Surround all your children in love that knows no end and keep us on the way of your Son, our Savior in whose name this prayer is offered. Amen. 

Lean forward in faith, my friends, and trust your senses to reveal among us the God of our salvation. Lean forward in faith, my friends, and smell, and taste, and touch, and see, and hear the goodness of God meant for you.

Lean forward in faith, my friends, then clasp your hands together in prayer, for from the position of bended knee and bowed head it is impossible to look down on others . . . and most possible to see as you have never seen before.

Lean forward in faith, my friends, and know that God will receive you and keep you in strong, open arms always: Whatever the circumstance, whatever the fear, whatever the doubt, whatever the hurt, lean forward in faith and God will never let you go. 

Have a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!