A THANKSGIVING PRAYER

The following is a prayer that has been adapted from the Iroquois people. When you read this prayer, does it change your perspective of nature and how we treat it? Does it fit into our giving thanks?

       We return thanks to our mother, the earth.

             which sustains us. 

       We return thanks to the rivers and streams,

              which supply us with water.

       We return thanks to all herbs,

              which furnish medicines for the cure of our diseases. 

       We return thanks to the corn, and to her sisters, 

               the beans and squash, which give us life.

       We return thanks to the wind, which moving the air 

                has banished diseases.

        We return thanks to the moon and stars, 

                which has given us their light when the sun was gone.

        We return thanks to the sun, 

                 that has looked upon the earth with a beneficent eye.   

        Lastly, we return thanks to The Great Spirit, in whom is 

               embodied all goodness, and who directs all things for

                the good of his children.

Earth Steward Action:  Meditate upon God’s gifts to us—especially our beautiful earth.  Be sure and use those leftovers.

Source:  A prayer adapted from the Iroquois and found in the book, “Earth Prayers”, edited by Elizabeth Roberts and Elias Amidon.