Thanksgiving prayer

Dear Lord,

We've been through a rough few years.  We've had to say good-bye for now to some of the people we love most in this world.  We've spent time in places we never wanted to be.  We've made bad decisions and had to face the consequences of those decisions.  We've dealt with illnesses and trials and heartbreak. And even though at times it felt like You were very far away, You were right there holding each of us up through every trial.  So today, Lord, as I am with those I love most I want to thank You.  I thank You for this bounty of food I have been able to prepare.  I thank You for a warm house.  I thank You for our precious grandson who has already brought so much joy into our lives.  I thank You for my children, for the ones you've brought into their lives to love them, and for the love we all share with one another.  I thank You for precious friends, those we've known all of our lives and those who have only recently become part of every day existence.  I thank You for my husband and the life and love we've shared for most of our lives.  I thank You for my extended family and the love we all have for one another.  I thank You most for salvation and that You were willing to die for my sins. 

As we end this year shortly, help us to always be reminded of Your grace and mercy.  Help us to extend grace and mercy to all those who come into our lives.  Help us to be ever mindful of the blessings that come into our lives every single day--not just those momentous occasions but also those seemingly small things that make our lives complete.  Bless us this day and keep all those we love safe and filled with Your peace on this Thanksgiving Day.

In Jesus name and for His sake,
Amen