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A Thanksgiving Prayer

Sometimes I take things for granted. I have a roof over my head. I have a stable job that provides me with decent wages and a good health insurance plan. Even with a large family, we always have food on our table.

I've never lived under an oppressive government where I could be beaten or sent to prison simply for speaking my mind or for practicing my religion. I've never been the victim of a hate crime as a result of my skin colorreligious beliefs, gender, ethnic origin, or sexual indentity.

I haven't been driven from my home due to war or natural disaster. I've never been conscripted into the military or forced to work in a sweatshop. I've never had a family member disappeared.

For those of us living a comfortable middle-class American life, it can be easy to ignore the violence and pain that afflict so much of the world. On this Thanksgiving day, I invite you to take a moment to remember all the ones who don't have much to be thankful for.


For the poor and the oppressed, for the unemployed and the destitute, for prisoners and captives, and for all who remember and care for them, let us pray to the Lord.

Lord, have mercy.

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races may serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer

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