O Lord, what a variety of things you have made! In wisdom you have made them all.
The earth is full of your creatures. Those who live at the ends of the earth stand in awe of your wonders.
From where the sun rises to where it sets, you inspire shouts of joy.
You take care of the earth and water it, making it rich and fertile.
The river of God has plenty of water; it provides a bountiful harvest of grain.
You crown the year with a bountiful harvest.
The grasslands of the wilderness become a lush pasture, and the hillsides blossom with joy.
The meadows are clothed with flocks of sheep, and the valleys are carpeted with grain. They all shout and sing for joy!
—from Ps. 65:8-13; 104:24 (NLT)
OPENING PRAYER
Gracious God, our Creator and Sustainer: We thank you for your steadfast love and unfailing care. Because you make all things work together for our good, we gather in your presence this morning trusting in your word and hoping in your goodness. Be among us with your Spirit, and bless our hearing and speaking, singing and praying. This we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
LITANY OF THANKSGIVING
Now let us give thanks for all God's giftsso freely bestowed upon us:
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea;
For all that is gracious in human life, revealing the image of Christ;
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families and friends;
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play;
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity;
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice;
For the communion of saints, in all times and places.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea;
For all that is gracious in human life, revealing the image of Christ;
For our daily food and drink, our homes and families and friends;
For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve.
For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play;
For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity;
For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice;
For the communion of saints, in all times and places.
Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
—Chalice Worship (alt.)
OFFERING DEDICATION
Almighty God, Giver of every good and perfect gift, teach us true gratitude. May we praise you not with our lips only, but with our whole lives. Accept our gifts, and transform our weakness into your strength, that the world may be transformed by your love; in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
