Gratitude.

It’s a game-changer. Christian theologian Meister Eckhart said, “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘Thank you’, that will be enough.” Gratitude simply makes life better – for children, for families, for organizations.

The regular exercise of gratitude improves our mental health, strengthens our relationships with others, and helps us notice the many little wins that life gives us.

This Thanksgiving, Saint Francis Ministries is thankful for our friends, partners, donors, and staff for working with us to provide healing and hope to children and families. We’re also grateful for those kids in our care who show us again and again the indomitable power and resilience of the human spirit.

Saint Francis Ministries wishes you and your family a Thanksgiving celebration full of laughter and joy. With gratitude for your friendship and support, here’s a Thanksgiving prayer composed by our own Fr. Andrew O’Connor to use (if you wish) as a blessing for your meal – along with artwork by young people in our Art Therapy program at Salina West.

Gracious and holy God,

thank you for all the blessings of this life:

For the beauty of earth and sky and sea,

for the happiness of this earthly life,

for all our powers of mind and body,

for good and faithful friends,

and for the joy of loving and being loved.

By your generous love you supply us

with the fruits of the earth in their seasons.

Give us grace to be ever thankful for all your gifts,

to use them wisely, and to share with others.

Help us now and throughout the year

to serve your people in need with a glad heart,

brining a gracious word and acts of loving-kindness

that transform lives with renewed hope

and deep healing.

May the feast shared at this table be none other

than a reflection of your heavenly banquet

where all are feed and rejoice.

We pray these things in the holy name of Jesus Christ,

our true friend and savior. Amen.