We thank you, God, for artistry    -or-   We thank you, Lord, for artistry
for colors, tastes, Creation's spree;
for harvests now, and sharing friends,
and always for your love. Amen.

Suggested tunes:
PROSPECT—"The Lone, Wild Bird"
MORNING HYMN (Version A)—"Awake my Soul, and with the Sun"
(If you play the hymns yourself and leave off any Amen in the music,
you can also use EMMANUEL (Balle), PUER NOBIS NASCITUR, WAREHAM,
or HER KOMMER DINE ARME SMAA.)

As you appeared upon that shore,
prepared a meal, to feed, restore...,
so, Risen Christ, bring here today
your love to nourish, give away.
Amen.

Based on John 21:1-17
Suggested tune:
O WALY WALY (the version in 3/4 time)

Creator-Lord, fresh praises rise
for colors, tastes, this meal supplies.
Your gifts delight as they sustain.
Let thankfulness be our refrain.
Amen.

Suggested tune:
TALLIS' CANON—"All Praise to Thee, my God, this Night"
(Can be done as a round. Have three groups, each starting a measure later.
End with everyone on "Amen" after the last group finishes.)

We praise you, Lord, for bounteous ways,
for colors, tastes, this meal displays.
Your gifts delight as they sustain.
Let thankfulness be our refrain.
Amen.

Suggested tune:
OLD HUNDREDTH—"Praise God from whom all Blessings Flow"

NEW! We've added texts designed for special meals at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
If desired, you can play our accompaniments from a cell phone!

FOR THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS:

Great God, this table we surround       -or-
reminds us how your love abounds
in food, connection, lasting care....
Full hearts respond in thankful prayer.
Amen.

Suggested tunes:
HER KOMMER DINE ARME SMAA—"Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, are We"
MORNING HYMN (Version B)—"Awake, my Soul and with the Sun"

FOR CHRISTMAS MEALS:

We take with thanks now, God of Heav'n,
this daily bread that you have giv'n.
And for our spirits, too, for Life,
we've thanks for love in Jesus Christ.
Amen.

Suggested tunes:
O WALY WALY (the version in 3/4 time)
PUER NOBIS NASCITUR—"That Easter Day with Joy was Bright"
HER KOMMER DINE ARME SMAA—"Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, are We"
WAREHAM (Knapp)—"The Church of Christ, in Every Age"
EMMANUEL (Balle)—"The Happy Christmas Comes Once More"

 

We bow our heads in gratefulness
to mark, good Lord, your faithfulness
in daily bread for nourishment,
for lasting bread through Christ you've sent.
Amen.

Suggested tunes:
PUER NOBIS NASCITUR—"That Easter Day with Joy was Bright"
HER KOMMER DINE ARME SMAA—"Thy Little Ones, Dear Lord, are We"
WAREHAM (Knapp)—"The Church of Christ, in Every Age"
EMMANUEL (Balle)—"The Happy Christmas Comes Once More"
TALLIS' CANON—"All Praise to Thee, my God, this Night"
(Can be done as a round. Have three groups, each starting a measure later.
End with everyone on "Amen" after the last group finishes.)

 

I love potlucks! They make me feel that thanks must be given—it can't be held in!
This is not only for the variety of foods (how amazing is our God!) but for the sharing of the community around the table. And, while I like the traditional sung table prayers, it's sometimes good to revoice our thanks.

So, here are some new, sung prayers. There are well-known tunes suggested for each, but these texts are also—like a good potluck—slightly mix-and-match.