Over the last several days I have read many blogs and news articles, searched Scripture, talked with several people and participated in an interfaith worship service all in an effort to better grasp both Thanksgiving and thankfulness. For some reason, this Thanksgiving what resonates deeply with me are the lyrics to a song: “My Thanksgiving Prayer.” I encourage you to take time to read them, then to hear them sung, and finally to offer them as a prayer.
In this time of my thanksgiving as my song begins to rise
Listen to the prayer within me – Look into my grateful eyes
May I humbly stand before you, as I reach out with my hand
May the music bring a healing to this cold and troubled land
In this time of my thanksgiving — ohhh — In this time of my thanksgiving
God of love who made apostles out of every clan and race
In this time and in this valley – You are there in every face
As I face the burnished offerings to the gods of power and fear
Make of me a living offering – Let me be your servant here
In this time of my thanksgiving — ohhh — In this time of my thanksgiving
Give us grace to face the struggle which the world yet holds in store
Walk beside us ever loving – Grant us peace forevermore
In this time grant us peace — ohhh — In this time grant us peace
Ohhh — In this time – peace
So What?
Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for what has been, for what is, and for what can be. Take time today to reflect on blessings from the past, recognize those happening in the present, and imagine those yet to come. As you look ahead to the place God is guiding, remember and live into these words: “Make of me a living offering – Let me be your servant here.”
About the Song
“My Thanksgiving Prayer” is found in Part 3 of New World Waking: A Musical Insurrection for Peace. You can view and download a free copy of the sheet music here.
The lyrics were written by Rev. Peter J. Carman who serves as pastor of The Olin T. Binkley Memorial Baptist Church in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The music was composed by Steve Schalchlin who is best known for writing the music and lyrics to two critically-acclaimed, award-winning off-Broadway pop gospel musicals The Last Session and The Big Voice: God or Merman? The YouTube video clip is of a rehearsal by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the Community Women’s Orchestra directed by Dr. Kathleen C. McGuire.