Prayer of Thanksgiving: Proper 19A

Here’s a prayer of thanksgiving by Nathan Nettleton based on the suggested scripture texts for September 11, 2011 (Proper 19A).  If you visit his siteyou can find a similar prayer formatted for use at the table.

General Prayer of Thanksgiving
(based on Exodus 14:19-31; Romans 14:1-12; Matthew 18:21-35)

We give you all thanks and praise, O God,
with every knee bowed
and every tongue giving you praise,
for in you is extravagant mercy
and salvation from all that would destroy us.

In the first of your mighty wonders, you created the earth,
dividing the watery chaos and bringing forth dry land.
In the days of Moses you divided the sea again
and delivered your people from their oppressors,
leading them by fire and cloud to the land of freedom.

In your child, Jesus the Christ,
your reign of love and mercy has embraced all who live
and even in our weaknesses you uphold us.
He was killed but lived again
so that he might be Lord of both the living and the dead.
Now whether we live or die we belong to you
and in gratitude we share your love and mercy with all.

Therefore, with our hearts lifted high,
we offer you thanks and praise at all times
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.

© 2002 Nathan Nettleton http://www.laughingbird.net/

For more worship resources related to the texts for September 11, 2011 (the thirteenth Sunday after Pentecost), click on Proper 19A in the list of “Labels” at the lower right side of the page. 

For other prayers and prayer resources on this blog, see this Prayer index.