Dear Colleagues, Larry and I are here in Taiwan and it is not really an official holiday today, November 22, 2012, but we are celebrating Thanksgiving today and will think of you all celebrating tomorrow. Thank you for this GRATEFULNESS, THE HEART OF PRAYER BLESSING! We may use it for our gathering of friends and colleagues on Sunday when we have our potluck and turkey together! Evelyn On 11/22/12 1:19 AM, David Zahrt wrote:
*UNCONVENTIONAL NON-SECTARIAN TABLE GRACE*
When we had guests at the B&B, back in Iowa, I used to introduce an unconventional non-sectarian table grace without asking.
After giving it there were several times that Fundamentalists said, "Alright, now let's say a prayer!" I finally realized that I needed to ask permission to give an unconventional non-sectarian table grace. I have now adopted the practice of doing so. It goes as follows.
David Steindl-Rast wrote a book entitled GRATEFULNESS; THE HEART OF PRAYER. In the book he says that he watches people go through life looking for a way to be happy so they can be grateful for their lives. But, he says, "It isn't happiness that makes you grateful. Its gratefulness that makes you happy."
When I read that I looked into my own life to find out where gratefulness comes out spontaneously. (Holding my hand over my heart with an outward gesture to include the meal table, I continue) I realized that the mealtime is one of those places: because I'm on the receiving end of things, (gesture to include the food) and I'm with family or friends. So I invite you to share the things for which you're grateful. We're grateful to have you as guests. What kinds of things have you found yourself grateful for in the past 12 to 24 hours? (Sharing takes place) Alright. Let's eat and be grateful. Amen.
*I've finally made a transition to BLESSINGS & CELEBRATIONS This comes from YES Magazine*
*_Special Table Grace_*
/[very appropriate at every meal---especially appropriate at Thanksgiving/].
Once all are present, call on each member to
oSay what we are grateful for
oWho or what we want to send special energy to
oWhere we wish for peace
Gratitude; Blessings; Peace. Amen.
David
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