The Messenger - November 24, 2010 - Thanksgiving Prayer
The Messenger
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"One Thanksgiving Prayer"
Due to our church's support for several humanitarian causes, I was asked to deliver the invocation at a meeting of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors during Thanksgiving Week. These 5 Supervisors are responsible for 11 million people in our county--about 2 million each. Clergy who accept this invitation are not allowed to use "sectarian" references, including my favorite salutation, "in Jesus' name." But we are allowed to lead 5 very powerful people--and perhaps 200 concerned citizens--in a televised prayer. So, I did.
I've delivered this sort of prayer to political groups before--including a joint meeting of the Senate, House, and Supreme Court in Washington State. But I never really do it on my own or for my own sake. I do it with Christ's church in mind, silently praying that my words be a good witness to the grace of God in Christ and the values that all Christians share--even when we cannot use Christ's name. After completing that private prayer, I led the Board of Supervisors with these words:
Gracious and Holy God,
in this week that our nation has
declared a special day for Thanksgiving,
we in Los Angeles County have many
reasons to give thanks:
We thank you for the rich diversity of our county:
dozens of
languages, cultures, cuisines, and ethnic groups thrive side by side.
We
thank you for the engineers whose brilliance and hard work
built deep
reservoirs and long canals that support 11 million people in a semi-arid
place.
We thank you for the mild climate that draws visitors throughout the
world,
and we thank you for natural wonders that surround us:
from broad
beaches on the west to high mountains on the east,
from sea cliffs on the
south to scenic canyons on the north,
the very land around us sings your
praise
As we eat rich foods this week, Lord, help us remember those who
are hungry.
As we gather with friends or loved ones, help us remember those
who are lonely.
As we take a break from work, help us remember those who
crave work.
As we go to bed in comfort, help us remember those who have no
place to sleep.
Then stir us to compassion out of gratitude and praise
to
share the many gifts we have received
so that others may praise you
for our service in the world
for we ask it in your holy name.
Amen.
Following this prayer, Supervisor Don Knabe recognized our church for this year's outstanding Thanksgiving Basket Drive, and I felt truly blessed to represent you.
Have a Great Thanksgiving!
| Weekly Calendar | ||||
| Nov. 25 | ||||
| Thursday | ALL DAY | THANKSGIVING | ||
| Friday | 7:00 PM | Youth Hang-Out | ||
| Saturday | 9:00 AM | CHRISTMAS Decorating | ||
| Sunday | 8:30 AM | Adult Sunday School | ||
| 9:30 AM | Worship | |||
| 9:30 AM | Children's Advent Party | |||
| 11:00 AM | Worship and Music Meeting | |||
| Monday | 7:00 PM | Women's Bible Study | ||
| 7:30 PM | Nar-anon | |||
| Wednesday | 7:00 AM | Bible Study at Carrow's | ||
| 1:00 PM | Women's Bible Study | |||
| 4:00 PM | Parent Hangout | |||
| 4:00 PM | Angel and Cherubs Storytime | |||
| 4:00 PM | GG Devotional/Homework Hangout | |||
| 4:00 PM | Angel Choir | |||
| 4:30 PM | Rehearsal for Cherub & Gospel Gang Choirs | |||
| 5:45 PM | Dinner for King's Chorus and SonLight Singers | |||
| 6:15 PM | High School Fellowship | |||
| 6:15 PM | King's Chorus Choir | |||
| 6:30 PM | Cub Scout Meeting | |||
| 7:00 PM | Prayer Group | |||
| 7:00 PM | Chapel Bells | |||
| 7:15 PM | Junior High Fellowship | |||
| 7:15 PM | SonLight Singers Choir | |||
| Thursday | 9:30 AM | Deacon's Meeting | ||
| 4:30 PM | Tech Rehearsal Cherubs & Gospel Gang | |||
| 7:30 PM | Chancel Choir Rehearsal | |||
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Page Last Updated: Mon Dec 6, 2010