Prayer for the Week: We believe that you accept our prayers of thanksgiving, O Merciful God, even when we are not as enthusiastic as we should be. You hear our songs of gratitude even when the passion is lost amidst all the distracted of this season. You see our expressions of appreciation, even when they lack the customary fervor. For one reason or another, we do not always demonstrate a genuine gratitude even when such thankfulness should come easy… even when the gifts we have received are copious and good. Forgive us when the attitude of our spirits does not match the altruism of your Spirit. Forgive us, and then awaken us again to all the gifts that surround us – for the gift of other human beings who love us even when we are not the most enjoyable people to be around; for the gift of food and sustenance that keeps our bodies moving and our hearts pumping; for the gift of music and other forms of art that inspire us; for the gift of children whose laughter is contagious; for the gift of science by which life-saving medications are developed; for the gift of creative people who discover solutions to what was thought to be an insurmountable obstacle; for the gift of Jesus Christ whose grace has provided hope and peace. There is so much for which we are thankful, and even when life is difficult and problems are multiplying, give us a spirit of gratitude as there is always something, even something small, that is worthy of a thank you. Amen.
ADVENT BEGINS THIS SUNDAY
