Fields United Methodist Church

A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Rev. Tom Joyce, pastor

Gracious God, our Creator and author of our salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. You are the source of our being, our hope, and our joy, especially in times such as these. Our world has been profoundly impacted by COVID19 in so many ways, yet in all ways we need to give thanks to you as you lead us through these uncertain times. Though our lives have been impacted this year in so many ways, our lives have also been blessed by you, for this reason we gather to give you thanks; we thank you for your forgiving grace when we have strayed from your Word. We thank you for our families, our friends, our neighbor, our nation, and the privilege of serving you through your church. We thank you for the bounty we have received, the grace you offer, and the promise of your abiding presence through our years, now and even to the end of the age. Lord, we do pray for those who are struggling mightily through this time, mourning the loss of loved ones, debilitating illness, uncertain futures, fear of a virus that just seems to hang on… We pray for those who feel lonely and isolated; those whose table is empty; those who have family challenges, relationship and financial challenges. We pray for those in our military who are far away from home and in harm’s way. Lord, our challenges seem so big, but you are a big God, and your arms are mighty and your love for us eternal. Thank you, Jesus for walking with us and carrying us through these days. Enliven our souls that even in the midst of a pandemic, political uncertainty, and personal challenges, we by faith know you will never let us go, that we are never alone, and because of you there is hope, even when all appears hopeless; peace even when peace seems a distant memory; love, knowing that no matter what life may bring absolutely nothing will separate us from your love. Lord, you have called each of us by name; thank you Jesus for loving us so completely, offering us grace upon grace, upon grace. We do pray for our national and local leaders that they lead with your Word implanted upon their souls. We pray for our nation. We pray for our medical community and first responders.  We pray for your church. We pray that each of us may rise to the calling you have placed upon us to be a witness of a far more excellent way to live; empower us to be your hands, your feet, and your presence to all those who need you so much. Thank you Jesus for the blessings we have each received and may our lives be an eternal symphony of praise to you. May we be a blessing to others as we have been blessed by you.  In the Name of Jesus. Amen