Harvest Prayer

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Creator and provider of the harvest, thank you for the food produced by the land. Thank you for the richness of the soil that nourishes plants. Thank you for the work of those who till the ground. For those who plant, tend to, and gather in the crops that we far too often take for granted. Thank you for the rains that sustain plants and trees. Forgive us for any actions we have taken that harm the access of others to the water that they need. Guide us towards restorative actions. Open our hearts to respond to the needs of those whose lives are harmed by too much or too little water. Be with those suffering losses due to drought in some areas, and floods in others. Help government leaders to rule wisely and justly in their responses to those whose harvests fail due to no fault of their own. Bless the farmers who grow our fruits, grains, and vegetables. Watch over those who catch seafood, tend to poultry and livestock. As we give our thanks, inspire us to live lives where good intentions go beyond words and prayers. Give us a sense of contentment, of enough, and a willingness to gratefully share, both in times of abundance and of want. Help us to see how we can contribute to a harvest of justice, of opportunity for the less-fortunate and marginalized. Instill in us the wisdom to use our life experience, our purchasing decisions and donations in ways that contribute to healing and wholeness for people near and far who struggle in ways we fail to appreciate. Instill in us the grace to understand that land, like anything else we temporarily possess, is not something to be owned, but rather a trust to be stewarded. Help us find ways to nurture and sustain instead of degrading the goodness of creation. Amen.