Thanksgiving Day for Canadian Anglicans (October 13, 2008)

Let Us Give Thanks to God for the Witness of Orthodox Anglicans in Canada and Wish Them a Happy Thanksgiving



From the Scriptures
Observe the commands of the LORD your God, walking in his ways and revering him. For the LORD your God is bringing you into a good land—a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the LORD your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the LORD your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day.

Deuteronomy 8:6-11 (NIV)
The Proper Lesson for the Day according to the Canadian Book of Common Prayer (1962)

A Guiding Prayer
O most merciful Father, we humbly thank thee for all thy gifts so freely bestowed upon us; for life and health and safety; for power to work and leisure to rest; for all that is beautiful in creation and in the lives of men; but above all we thank thee for our spiritual mercies in Christ Jesus our Lord; who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Thanksgiving Day,” The Book of Common Prayer (Canada, 1962)

A Heritage Reflection
Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring Thy final harvest home;
Gather Thou Thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin,
There, forever purified, in Thy garner to abide;
Come, with all Thine angels come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Rev. Henry Alford (1810-1871)
Psalms and Hymns