Prayer for the Week: Today, I give thanks to you, O God, as the Source of Love. It is this gift given without condition that changes my perception – allows me to see within my life a multitude of blessings. Today, I give thanks for the gift of farmers in the field whose agricultural knowledge assists in bringing bounty from the earth. Today, I give thanks for farmworkers who toil in the fields. Today, I give thanks for all the behind the scenes folks who bring food to the store, whether they are in processing, packaging, preparing or delivery. So many hands and faces unseen, yet necessary in the chain. Today, I give thanks for all those who put forth such effort – even when their effort is sadly under-appreciated or ignored outright. Today, I give thanks for each person who helped to bring my last meal to the table. May I find a bit more enjoyment in the meal as gratitude fills my heart. And today, may these people who often feel as if their work is forgotten in the shadows be lifted and encouraged by your Spirit at work in and through this prayer. I ask for words of appreciation to reach their ears, and if not an actual spoken word, I pray for your Spirit to whisper holy inspiration to each soul feeling empty and forgotten. Work within us to help bring greater respect, appreciation and equity of pay to each person along the way. Today, I say thank you for a community of service within our culture, and my gratitude has its origin in your love, O God, that I have encountered in Jesus Christ. Amen.
