Gratitude

*** Narrative Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 CLASSIC POEM: Sonnet 41 Elizabeth Barrett Browning I thank all who have loved me in their hearts, With thanks and love from mine. Deep thanks to all Who paused a little near the prison-wall To hear my music in its louder parts Ere they went onward, each one to the mart’s Or temple’s occupation, beyond call. But thou, who, in my voice’s sink and fall When the sob took it, thy divinest Art’s Own instrument didst drop down at thy foot To hearken what I said between my tears, . . . Instruct me how to thank thee! Oh, to shoot My soul’s full meaning into future years, That they should lend it utterance, and salute Love that endures, from Life that disappears! *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: Thanks W.S. Merwin SNIPPET: … in the banks we are saying thank you in the faces of the officials and the rich and of all who will never change we go on saying thank you thank you … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]