Praise and Thanksgiving, ELW 689
1 Praise and thanksgiving, God, we would offer for all things living, you have made good:
harvest of sown fields, fruits of the orchard, hay from the mown fields, blossom and wood.
2 God, bless the labor we bring to serve you, that with our neighbor we may be fed.
Sowing or tilling, we would work with you, harvesting, milling for daily bread.
3 Father, providing food for you children, by Wisdom's guiding teach us to share one with another, so that, rejoicing with us, all others may know your care.
4 Then will your blessing reach ev'ry people, freely confessing your gracious hand.
Where you are reigning, no one will hunger; your love sustaining showers the land.
Devotion
This song of stewardship seems to get used more in the autumn when harvest festivals and threshing bees take place in rural communities. That's too bad, because the message in the hymn applies so well throughout the year.
This hymn speaks of God's abundance in the blessings God gives to all creation. What more could we require?
It speaks of the work of the Holy Spirit in guiding us to share with one another so that all may know God's care. How else could we hope to serve God's people than by the Holy Spirit?
It speaks of the time to come when God's reign will ensure that no one goes hungry. When is that not a good message to share?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, grant us this day your blessing of peace and respite. For all who are mourning, give comfort. For all who are celebrating, give joy. For all who are in danger, give protection. For all who are seeking direction, give guidance. For all those in need, give aid.
We live in hope, trust and faith that our prayers will be answered according to your holy will. Amen.