God of the smallest molecule and the largest galaxy, we give you thanks —
for the chill of the winter air and the smell of fresh bread and coffee
for the sun’s rays expanding at the horizon and the stars’ light dotting the sky
for the smile of a baby and the listening ear of a neighbor
for sidewalks and city parks, for farm fields and gently flowing lakes
for a dog’s bark and the bird’s chirp
for school buses, hot lunches, and books to read
for conversations over coffee and a surprise email filled with gratitude.
God of silence and speech, we give you thanks —
for church buildings that offer sanctuary and peace found in the woods
for prayers offered in worship and in the dark nights of the soul
for bread and wine and coffee and donuts
for songs of praise and hymns of lament
for children’s laughter and engaging conversation
for space to be left alone and invitations to gather with others
for feasts and fasting.
God of the morning and God of the night, we give you thanks —
for your word that compels and convicts
for your grace that inspires and humbles
for your love that surrounds and supports
for your forgiveness that frees us and sends us out
for bread and wine
water and word
for Jesus
who is our life.
Amen.
Kimberly Knowle-Zeller is an ordained ELCA pastor, mother of two, and spouse of an ELCA pastor. She lives with her family in Cole Camp, MO. You can read more at her website or follow her work on Facebook.