Thanksgiving Blessings

It is Thanksgiving Day. Though we observe it during a horrific pandemic that is surging at this moment, we can still, in the midst of it all, continue to give thanks to God for all of God's good gifts. So, with that in mind, I share first a reading from Psalm 100 and then two versions of the hymn We Plow the Fields (All Good Gifts). 

First the Scripture that I have always connected with Thanksgiving Day:

Psalm 100 (NRSV): 

¹ Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come into his presence with singing.

³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he that made us, and we are his;
    we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
    and his courts with praise.
    Give thanks to him, bless his name.

⁵ For the Lord is good;
    his steadfast love endures forever,
    and his faithfulness to all generations.

Now the hymns: One version is the traditional hymn sung by the congregation of Pershore Abbey in England. The second version is from Godspell. Enjoy both as you give thanks for God's good gifts.

  The hymn: "We plow the Fields" by Matthias Claudius: 

We plough the fields, and scatter the good seed on the land;

But it is fed and watered by God's almighty hand: 

He sends the snow in winter, the warmth to swell the grain, 

The breezes and the sunshine, and soft refreshing rain. 

 Chorus 

All good gifts around us 

Are sent from heaven above, 

Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord 

For all His love.

 He only is the maker of all things near and far;

He paints the wayside flower, He lights the evening star; 

The winds and waves obey Him, by Him the birds are fed;

Much more to us, His children, He gives our daily bread. 

Chorus 

We thank Thee, then, O Father, for all things bright and good,

The seed time and the harvest, our life, our health, and food; 

No gifts have we to offer, for all Thy love imparts, 

But that which Thou desirest, our humble, thankful hearts.

Chorus

   

 Now, enjoy the version from the musical Godspell --- "All Good Gifts." The words are nearly the same, but the tune is different.

Enjoy