Giving Thanks in the Spirit of Mercy

As we prepare to enter the season of Advent, we pause to give thanks for the many blessings and graces of this year.

In the spirit of thanksgiving, we share this prayer of gratitude written by Maria Johnston, principal, and Patricia Luna, head of the religion department, at Muffles College High School (Orange Walk Town, Belize).

May this prayer inspire each of us to take a moment of stillness and give thanks for the gifts that surround us.

Creator and Everlasting God,

You have bestowed on us countless blessings this year. We give you thanks for the opportunity to build a connection with everything that you have created and everyone that has crossed our paths. As a Mercy community we gather in humble gratitude….

For the beauty of creation your mighty hands have made.

For the strength you have given us to reach out to others, following the example of mercy and compassion of our foundress, Catherine McAuley.

For your peace that meets us in our storm,

For the understanding that comes with disappointments,

For the joy we didn’t deserve but which we freely received from you, O Lord.

May our gratitude continue to move us to action — to serve where there is need, to speak where there is injustice, and to light the way where there is darkness.

Renew in us the spirit of mercy, compassion, and unity, so that everything we do be in your honor and glory.

For all that has been, we give thanks.

For all that is yet to come, we trust in your divine providence.

Thank you for this present moment.

Amen.