Page:Book of common prayer (TEC, 1979).pdf/840

 Thanksgiving for the Social Order

7.  For the Diversity of Races and Cultures

O God, who created all peoples in your image, we thank you for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world. Enrich our lives by ever&#8209;widening circles of fellowship, and show us your presence in those who differ most from us, until  our knowledge of your love is made perfect in our love for all  your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Thanksgivings for the Natural Order

8.  For the Beauty of the Earth

We give you thanks, most gracious God, for the beauty of earth and sky and sea; for the richness of mountains, plains,  and rivers; for the songs of birds and the loveliness of flowers. We praise you for these good gifts, and pray that we may safeguard them for our posterity. Grant that we may continue to grow in our grateful enjoyment of your abundant creation,  to the honor and glory of your Name, now and for ever. Amen.

9.  For the Harvest

Most gracious God, by whose knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew: We yield thee  hearty thanks and praise for the return of seedtime and harvest,  for the increase of the ground and the gathering in of its fruits,  and for all the other blessings of thy merciful providence  bestowed upon this nation and people. And, we beseech thee, give us a just sense of these great mercies, such as may appear  in our lives by a humble, holy, and obedient walking before  thee all our days; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom,  with thee and the Holy Ghost be all glory and honor, world  without end. Amen.

