A PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING
Let us join together and give thanks this night for beauty:
the beauty of a candle flickering in the gloominess
the beauty of a charitable deed done selflessly
the beauty redolent in those who persevere amidst hardships
the beauty of those who transform their deeply felt pain into
love
the beauty of those who forgive that which appears
unforgivable
Let us join together give thanks this night for dignity:
the dignity inherent in a life lived well
the dignity inherent in those who suffer for others
the dignity inherent in those who embrace the marginalised
the dignity inherent in those who stand up for the poor and
oppressed
the dignity inherent in those who pray for those who despise
them
Heavenly Father, we open our hearts to each other and give thanks this night, collectively.
We remember the goodness that encircles us and guides us, even when we cannot see it.
We give thanks, despite the difficulties of life and the brokenness we all carry within us.
We give thanks in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, who never leaves our side, tonight and always.
AMEN