In the Realm of Gratitude

Preparing for the Third Sunday after Pentecost: Two Days before Sunday (Year A)

Scripture (semicontinuous)

Psalter: Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19

Old Testament: Genesis 24:1-9

Epistle: Acts 7:35-43

Scripture (complementary)

Psalter: Psalm 100

Old Testament: Exodus 4:27-31

Epistle: Acts 7:35-43

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Prayer

O God, from whom all good proceeds: Grant that by your inspiration we may think those things that are right, and by your merciful guiding may do them; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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Reflection

What shall I return to the Lord

    for all his bounty to me?

I will lift up the cup of salvation

    and call on the name of the Lord;

I will pay my vows to the Lord

    in the presence of all his people.

Precious in the sight of the Lord

    is the death of his faithful ones.

O Lord, I am your servant;

    I am your servant, the child of your serving girl.

    You have loosed my bonds.

I will offer to you a thanksgiving sacrifice

    and call on the name of the Lord.

I will pay my vows to the Lord

    in the presence of all his people,

in the courts of the house of the Lord,

    in your midst, O Jerusalem.

Praise the Lord! (Psalm 116:1-2, 12-19).

In the realm of gratitude, let us now reside,

With words woven in verse, our hearts open wide,

For on this sacred day, we gather and embrace,

God’s abundant blessings, showered with grace.

In the tapestry of life, each thread interwoven,

With countless reasons to be grateful, unspoken,

With humble hearts, we bow and give our praise,

For the blessings bestowed in numerous ways.

For the morning sun that kisses the earth’s face,

And the gentle moon, adorning night’s embrace,

For the breath we take, and the beat of our hearts,

For each moment alive, where hope imparts.

For the whispering wind that dances through the trees,

And the roaring waves, caressing distant seas,

For mountains grand, reaching high to the skies,

And the vast expanse, where stars mystify.

For the laughter shared, with loved ones dear,

And the tender moments, wiping away every tear,

For friendships cherished, and bonds that endure,

For the love that surrounds us, so pure and secure.

For the gifts of talents, unique to each soul,

And the passions that ignite, making us whole,

For the ability to create, to dream, and to strive,

For the courage to embrace the journey, alive.

For the seasons that change, in their glorious array,

And the cycles of life, reminding us each day,

That in every ending, a new beginning unfolds,

With blessings untold, as God’s story unfolds.

So, on this day of thanks, our voices entwine,

With hearts overflowing, like a cherished wine,

We raise our grateful voices, with joy we sing,

Thankful for God's blessings, to whom we cling.

For in the tapestry of life, we find our place,

Grateful hearts, adorned with God’s grace,

In unity, we stand, a grateful chorus we raise,

Thankful for God's blessings, all our days.

PRAYER: Keep, O Lord, your household the Church in your steadfast faith and love, that through your grace we may proclaim your truth with boldness, and minister your justice with compassion; for the sake of our Savior Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

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