Good and gracious God, we give you thanks today, as we do all days, first and foremost for the gift of creation and the gift of life. We ask You to bless this food, that it may nourish us and sustain us, and strengthen our ability to do Your will. We pray in thanksgiving for all the hands involved in bringing it to our table. You tell us, Lord, that to whom much is given, much is expected. May this meal and the fellowship we enjoy not only serve as clear reminders of Your love of us, but of Your call for us to share Your love and to serve our brothers and sisters, especially those most in need. We ask this as we ask all things, through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Sometimes the best prayers are ones that are passed down directly from Scripture.
This passage from the 12th chapter of the Book of Isaiah is particularly relevant for Thanksgiving.
Song of Thanksgiving
On that day, you will say:
I give you thanks, O Lord;
though you have been angry with me,
your anger has abated, and you have consoled me.
God indeed is my salvation;
I am confident and unafraid.
For the Lord is my strength and my might,
and he has been my salvation.
With joy you will draw water
from the fountains of salvation,
And you will say on that day:
give thanks to the Lord, acclaim his name;
Among the nations make known his deeds,
proclaim how exalted is his name.
Sing praise to the Lord for he has done glorious things;
let this be known throughout all the earth.
Shout with exultation, City of Zion,
for great in your midst
is the Holy One of Israel!
Isaiah 12:1-6 NABRE