Savory God,

As we bask in the warmth of the radiating heat from our ovens
And the cozy candles of vanilla and pumpkin-something,
We give much gratitude for the deliciousness of the holiday.

From the richness of our conversations-
Some spicy, some smooth-
To the sweetness of the pies and chocolate-something desserts,
We celebrate the flavors of the day.

For our loved ones near and far,
And the ways we connect to one another across the rooms and miles,
We are thankful to live in this time filled with many means of connection.

And for the tables at which we sit,
For the friends and family who warm our hearts,
For the ways we gather together again after a year or two of distancing-
Whether from illness, or strife, or that pandemic-thing-
We are grateful for the people in our lives who support us
Through the peaks and valleys,
Through the burnt pies and undercooked turkeys,
Through the wanted and unwanted political and religious discussions.

May peace radiate throughout our homes,
Across our tables,
Throughout our communities and countries,
And across our war-torn world.

Amen.

(c) 2023 Rev. Michelle L. Torigian. Permission to use or repost with attribution.