Giving Thanks with Prayers from Around the World

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As we sit at our tables this week, let us remember to give thanks for all we have been given. Let us find time to say the words of gratitude to That which has given us all we have in whatever manner we perceive that Divine Energy to be.

At a loss for words?  Here are some you can use at your meal.

 Blessings and Gratitude for you all!
A Prayer for the Thanksgiving Feast 
            from Talking to God by Rabbi Naomi Levy 

For the laughter of the children, 
For my own life breath, 
For the abundance of food on this table, 
For the ones who prepared this sumptuous feast, 
For the roof over our heads, 
The clothes on our backs, 
For our health, 
And our wealth of blessings, 
For this opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, 
For the freedom to pray these words 
Without fear, 
In any language, 
In any faith, 
In this great country, 
Whose landscape is as vast and beautiful as her inhabitants. 
Thank You, God, for giving us all these. Amen.

Armenian Grace 
  
May the abundance of this table 
Never fail and never be less, 
Thanks to the blessings of God, 
Who has satisfied our needs. 
To Him be the glory forever. Amen.

 Buddhist
  
First, seventy-two labors brought us this food; we should know how it comes to us. 
Second, as we receive this offering, we should consider whether our virtue and practice deserve it. 
Third, as we desire the natural order of mind to be free from clinging, we must be free from greed. 
Fourth, to support our life we take this food. 
Fifth, to attain our way we take this food. 

 First, this food is for the Three Treasures. 
Second, it is for our teachers, parents, nation, and all sentient beings. Third, it is for all beings in the six worlds. 

 Thus we eat this food with everyone 
We eat to stop all evil 
To practice good 
To save all sentient beings 
And to accomplish our Buddha Way.

Iroquois
   
We return thanks to our mother, the earth, which sustains us. 
We return thanks to the rivers and streams, which supply us with waters. 
We return thanks to all herbs, which furnish medicine for the cure of our diseases. 
We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, the beans and the squashes, which give us life. 
We return thanks to the wind, which moving the air has banished diseases. 
We return thanks to the moon and the stars, which have given us their light when the sun was gone. 
We return thanks to the sun, that he has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye. 
Lastly, we return thanks to the Great Spirit, in whom is embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for the good of his children.

Moravian Blessing
   
Come, Lord Jesus, our guest to be 
And bless these gifts 
Bestowed by Thee. 
And bless our loved ones everywhere, 
And keep them in Your loving care.

Islam 
  
Oh Allah! Whatever blessings I or any of Your creatures rose up with, is only from You. You have no partner, so all grace and thanks are due to You. (Recommended to repeat three times.)

A Queio Apache 
Looking behind, I am filled with gratitude.
Looking forward, I am filled with vision.
Looking upwards, I am filled with strength. 

Looking within, I discover peace.

 Hindu 
  
May the Lord accept this, our offering, and bless our food that it may bring us strength in our body, vigor in our mind, and selfless devotion in our hearts for His service.

Scottish Grace 
  
Praise God who giveth meat, 
Convenient unto all who eat. 
Praise for tea and buttered toast, 
Father, Son and Holy Ghost.


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