Great giver of grace, you who offer yourself wholly to us, always,

As we gather at table with loved ones in this season of gratitude and fellowship, we pray for those who will instead gather in break rooms and nurses’ stations, in patient rooms and waiting rooms.

For health care workers, nurses, physicians, aides and caregivers — may your offering of self not go unappreciated or unnoticed, and may you be offered rest and respite when you at last join with your own loved ones in celebration.

For the sick, homebound and those who will celebrate alone — may you know you have not been forgotten, and may you feel authentic connection and community despite physical distance.

For the poor, and those who must work to make ends meet, regardless of the date on the calendar — may you find time for much deserved rest with friends and family and may your inherent dignity be respected and honored as we work together to improve a broken system.

Holy one of grace,

May our offering of gratitude for these so often overlooked women and men extend as far and wide as your love for us. Be with us and be with them, that we may be united to you as one and that we may continue to serve you and seek you with humility and gratitude.

In your name we pray: AMEN.