Feel free to use this as your prayer before beginning your meal:
Dear LORD God,
Today we gather to celebrate the good gifts we have received. In the true spirit of thanksgiving, turn our hearts toward celebrating not only the gifts but the Giver.
King David knew his share of both blessings and difficulty. He often penned his most heartfelt Psalms of praise and thanksgiving even while in the midst of trouble and sorrow. Listen into David’s heart in Psalm 9:1-2:
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart;
I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in you;
I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.
Father, we are certainly grateful for those who have gone before us, to create this nation, to preserve your Word, to provide for us as we grew into adulthood and for so many, countless blessings we each have enjoyed in our lives.
Provide in each of us a truly grateful heart, not only today but on each day as we go forward in this life, not grateful for what good we receive, but gratitude for your goodness, your mercy extended to us and for your grace freely given. Give to us a truly grateful heart even and especially when we are experiencing sorrow, trouble or loss. Help us hold to your truth, confidence and peace in all circumstances.
We love and praise you, LORD, and we give to you all the glory!
Amen.
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Richard Bahr 