So Much To Be Thankful For

Today Bob is leading the Harvest Thanksgving Service at the local Congregational Chapel. He has asked me to read this prayer, which comes from The Farming Community Network

Lord, we praise you for the harvest of the fields around
For fields of wheat and barley; for oil-seed rape and maize,
for healthy herds, for sheep and pigs,
We give thanks.
We praise you for the harvest of local hedgerows,
for the straggling bramble; for black showers of elderberry,
for mushrooms nestling in the dewy grass
We give thanks.
We praise you for the harvest of gardens and allotments;
For earthy roots and crackling cabbage,
for hanging beans and striped courgette
We give thanks.
Lord we praise you for the harvest of talents in your church;
for buildings well maintained, for flower arrangements and music,
for responsible stewardship, for charities supported.
We give thanks.
We praise you for the harvest of fellowship here,
for friends made and support given.
For people with whom to laugh and with whom to weep.
We give thanks.
Lord we praise you for the harvest of prayer in this place.
For commitment deepened; for discipleship taken up,
for the cross carried and the burdens borne
We give thanks.
Lord we dedicate this festival of harvest thanksgiving to you.
Bless us, strengthen us, unite us in your love. Amen