O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
For the wide sky and the blessed sun,
For the salt sea and the running water,
For the everlasting hills
And the never-resting winds,
For trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
By which we hear the songs of birds,
And see the splendor of summer fields,
And taste the autumn fruits,
And rejoice in the feel of snow,
And smell the breath of spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
Save our souls from being so blind
That we pass unseeing
When even the common thorn bush
Is aflame with your glory.
O God our creator,
Bless this feast and all who partake of it.
Keep us mindful of those who are in need of food, safety, companionship or justice, and bless our efforts to be of practical help to them.
We make this prayer in the name of Jesus, our brother and Lord, Amen.
By Walter Rauschenbusch; adapted by Kathy Schmitt 11/18/10
From Living God’s Justice: Reflections and Prayers, compiled by The Roundtable Association of Diocesan Social Action Directors.
National Catholic Educational Association
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