A Prayer for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was a holiday created by the United States government that became established in the early 1900’s. (Abraham Lincoln declared an official Thanksgiving holiday in 1863.  It took a while for it to become the widespread celebration we know today).

Thanksgiving was declared at a time when the country was becoming a “melting pot” and the diversities/differences between the peoples called for a common bonding to strengthen the ties. (See this link.) The story of Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and Native Americans developed within the official start of this holiday. It is a story of history, myth and omissions. The truth that remains is that for three days the new settlers (Pilgrims/Puritans) and the Native American people feasted together in relative peace.

What I have gleaned from this more accurate telling of the history by Chuck Larsen with an ample bibliography to support it, is that, this holiday is really more about a Nation trying to find commonality, a common celebration in order to come together, to unite, peacefully.

There are certainly many significant and good holidays. However, Thanksgiving is one of my favorites. I love nothing better than to join with friends, family and at times, strangers, to share a meal, to raise up gratitude and to share. This is personal-ism at its best. And what could be more appropriate and deeply needed for our country at this time?

So, with humble gratitude I share my prayer of Thanksgiving with you:

God of Love, Wisdom and Compassion,

Now with joy and gratitude, we gather here and thank you for this home (or shelter), this family, and this Thanksgiving meal. We call to mind the water, air, earth, animals and people who labored and sacrificed to bring this meal to our table. Please bless all of them and their families, as we offer our grateful reverence for each one. We call to mind those who have no home, who have no means, who are alone, ill and those who are suffering. We ask for your blessing and compassion to be upon each one now, with your healing and abundant love. In this world and nation, there are countless diversities and differences between us; yet today, we raise up our connection with all life as family, and we are truly thankful. As we gather here with love and appreciation, may each moment now, draw all life closer and further into love, goodness and peace.

Amen.

Mitakuye Oyesin