In the United States many people will gather today with family and friends, or family, or friends. It will be good and bad, and fun and messy, full of laughter and tears, and all the things that come with being people. Some will be alone, some will be lonely, some will be warm and safe, and others will be cold and fearful. Let us, where we can, if we can, show up with hearts that see the suffering of others and work to ease that pain. Let us where we cannot open our arms to receive the comfort we need.

When I host a meal I ask everyone to share an appreciation or gratitude, and I invite us to pray together, a pray of blessed awareness. This is not everyone’s practice, but if it is yours or you would like to add it I offer this prayer for your day:

Heavenly and Holy God we come to you this day in gratitude.

Help us to feel your presence in our lives in the moments of plenty and the moments of want.

Open us to knowing your abundant love overflowing in the world and teach us to be vessels that carry your love and let your love spill over to those around us.

Open our eyes to seeing what joy is here before us, open our lips to smile, open our arms to embrace.

God we thank you for the blessed moments of presence, the times we know are enough, and we pray that in doubt you give us memories of faith to strengthen our steps and guide our way.

We thank you, we seek to make our lives acts of praise, we gratefully receive each blessing that is offered.