Does your family have a special Thanksgiving prayer?
Growing up, Thanksgiving was always hosted at my family’s house. I think traditionally in many households the grandmother hosts the event, but my Grandma Gertrude wasn’t overly fond of the American holiday and the unusual dishes provided. This coming from a woman who considered ox-tail soup a delicacy!
Still my grandmother loved family & treasured moments when we all came together. She’d sit at the head of the table and before we’d dive into my moms stellar (delicious, amazing, wonderful) turkey my Grandma Gertrude would say a prayer in German. I’d sit patiently, not knowing what she was saying, waiting for the proper time to say “Amen.” Is it funny that a prayer I didn’t understand warms my heart?
I attended a church service a while back which discussed different forms of prayer. The Reverend mentioned that this Native American prayer “resonated” with him. I admit, that is the perfect word. Weeks after hearing the sermon I had to look it up online. We now use this as our daily family dinner prayer.
We don’t just softly mumble the prayer, our family truly enjoys it. If you are looking for something new give this approach a try:
- Start by holding hands with your family in a circle around the table. Continue to hold hands as you read, “May all I say and all I do be in harmony with thee.”
- When you get the the section which reads, “God within me,” hold your hands to your heart.
- When you get to the section which reads, “God beyond me,” hold your arms out straight with your hands facing out.
- When you get to the section which reads, “Maker of the trees,” throw your arms in the air, almost as if you are doing the “Y” from the YMCA dance. Note: We also like to yell this last line. {winks}
Does your family have a favorite daily dinner prayer or a Thanksgiving feast tradition? Drop me a line below, on Facebook or Pinterest.
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