Friday, September 16, 2005


Prayer of thanksgiving.

Thank you, God, for family. What a blessing it is that our entire family has time to spend together. We eat supper together, sharing events, ideas, and feeling. We share each other's joys and sorrows. When disappointments come along, we support each other. We really enjoy our vacations travelling. How spectacular is the thought of spending eternity together. Thank you, God, for family.

Thank you, God, for parents. They're happy for us when we succeed and sad when we fail. They give us encouragement and understanding, values and hugs, guidance and discipline. By their words and actions, they show us concern for others, right from wrong, and the importance of heartfelt apologies. When they meet our daily needs and grant unconditional love, parents implant the lifelong image of your providential care. Thank you, God, for parents.

Thank you, God, for sisters and brothers. Older ones keep an eye on us and make sure we are safe. Younger ones sometimes look to us for advice or understanding. Having brothers and sisters helps us learn fairness, cooperation, and thoughtfulness. We share love and laughter, company and conversation, fears and fun. Thank you, God, for brothers and sisters.

Thank you, God, for friends. Friends respect each other. They also believe and trust one another. They help each other through thick and thin. Thank you for respect, belief, and trust. Friends listen to each other. They listen with their hearts as well as their ears. They seem to know each other's thoughts. Thank you for listening, understanding, and silent sharing. Thank you, God, for friends.

Thank you, God, for teachers. They work hard challenging students to soar toward the unknown and encouraging pupils to master the necessities. They motivate all students to achieve success. Teachers unlock the wonders of science, the nobility of language, and a whole world of mystery and adventure. Beyond teaching, they listen and lead, correct and guide, worry and care. The teachers of today influence the minds, hearts, and souls of tomorrow. Thank you, God, for teachers.

Thank you, God, for water. Thank you for wet'N'wild, sailboats,yatchs and fishing rods, aquariums and deep-sea diving, bubble baths, and the soul-cleansing waters of baptism. Energy-saving hydroelectric power in a remote village and a thunderous downpour disrupting a quiet night show the relentless force of water while its gentle purity shines through in a thirst-quenching, refreshing drink, or a crystal clear, creature-filled lagoon. Thank you, God, for water.

Thank you, God, for books. From fairy tales to philosophy, suspense to self-improvement, pop-ups to poetry, books aid our quest for knowledge and relaxation. We learn the secrets of science and explore the territories of outer space. We expand our imaginations through fantasy and illustrations. We experience your redemptive love through Scripture. Thank you for the printing press, authors, and librarians. Thank you, God, for books.

Thank you, God, for food. You give generously and create abundant variety: chicken, fish, pork, beef, lamb, cereal, bread, rice, pasta, peas, corn, broccoli, cauliflower, apples, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, cake, pie, pudding, ice cream! You also provide food for thought: books to read, journals to write, puzzles to solve, discoveries to make, nature to ponder. How wonderfully our spirituality would grow, too, on a steady diet of prayer, meditation, and sacrifice! Thank you, God, for food.

Thank you, God, for sleep. What a relaxing way to renew ourselves! We feel alive and alert after a good sleep. What a refreshing way to regain our energy! Forty winks, eight hours, or three days of bed rest-all restore and rejuvenate our vigor. What a healthy way to calm our overactive minds! We slow our busy pace and drift off to dreamland. Thank you, God, for sleep.

Thank you, God, for emotions. Inner joy and well-being result from positive feelings of love and happiness. Eagerly greeting the day, filled with enthusiasm and excitement, challenges others to view life with optimism. Even emotions such as sadness, anxiety, and guilt can signal that something in our lives may need changing. Thank you for creating and experiencing every human feeling and understanding every response. Thank you, God, for emotions.

Thank you, God, for flowers. The field of wild flowers presents a kaleidoscope of color. The backyard garden fills the air with a fanfare of fragrances. Though some think it's a weed, the dandelion always awards Grandma a handful of happiness. If snapdragons and tiger lilies are named after animals, the forget-me-not must be a reminder of your power to sustain every creature that lives. Thank you, God, for flowers.

Thank you, God, for color. I can't imagine campfires without sparking flames, National Day without the red and white flags; clothes without vibrant patterns; or churches without stained glass windows. Easter eggs and Christmas ornaments delight me.

Thank you for the ability to see spectacular snowcapped mountains, gorgeous woods whilst on holiday, and the sun slipping below the horizon. Thank you, God, for color.

Thank you, God, for freedom. Speaking with kindness and respect, publishing truthfully and accurately, electing representatives who uphold life, and worshipping with unshakable faith adds depth and understanding to why we are a rather free country. Thank you, God, for freedom.

Thank you, God, for modern medicine. Scientific research and improvements make it possible to help the sick in ways never even imagined. New techniques and powerful drugs help dedicated doctors, nurses, and therapists identify and remedy health problems. Ongoing research seeks cures for diseases, effective treatments for the handicapped, and simplified surgical procedures. Thank you, God, for modern medicine.

Thank you, God, for birds. Their colorful feathers, spacious wingspans, and gracious flight fill my mind with wonder and awe. Their lively morning songs beckon all to start the day's activities. The sparrow builds its nest. Robins survey their surroundings from an overhead wire. The woodpecker tirelessly taps to get its food. Could that be you endlessly knocking to get our attention through countless daily distractions? Thank you, God, for birds.

Thank you, God, for hope. You fill us with hope for the future. We hope to grow, learn, and enjoy satisfying careers. We hope for the care of all people everywhere. We hope to aid the poor and the homeless, to comfort the suffering, and to spread peace in our world and in our hearts. We hope for answers to prayer, strength to do your will, and everlasting happiness. Thank you, God, for hope.

Thank you, God, for uniqueness. What would this world be if every animal grew exactly the same size and shape as every other animal, every river and continent were the same, and every individual in the whole world wore identical clothing? If there were only on facial expression, would we be smiling, frowning, or looking blank? How would we sound if everyone sounded alike? I want to celebrate variety, individuality, and diversity! Thank you, God, for uniqueness.

Thank you, God, for being God. You created the stars and planets. You separated the oceans and the continents. You schedule the seasons and the sunsets. You populate the earth with animals and plants. You breathe life into every human being and empower your children with virtues and strengths, intellect and will, talents and ambitions. You patiently guide the social and spiritual maturing of the human race. You love and forgive always. Thank you, God, for being God.

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