Weekly Outlook - Prayers for your table — and voices to hear

Dear readers, Imagine this: everyone is settling in around the table, the aroma of roasted turkey wafting through the room — when a well-meaning relative cheerfully says, “Would you pray for us before we eat?” Suddenly your heart jumps. You love your family. You love God. But being put on the spot to offer a polished, meaningful prayer while the mashed potatoes cool can make the mind of even the most practiced prayer go blank. It’s a surprisingly common anxiety. Pastors who pray publicly every week have told me they still feel that flutter in their stomach when asked to pray spontaneously in a room full of people they love. Lay folks often worry: Will I say the right thing? Will it be long enough? Too long? Too emotional? Not emotional enough? There’s a unique vulnerability in praying aloud — especially on a day filled with expectations, traditions and tender emotions. That’s why we at the Presbyterian Outlook want to offer a little grace — and a little help. If you’re hosting Thanksgiving, visiting friends or family, or simply gathering with a small circle this year, you don’t have to come up with the perfect prayer on the spot. We’ve curated a collection of thoughtful, beautiful Thanksgiving prayers. They’re ready to use at your table, to print for a bulletin, or simply to read quietly before the meal. Let these prayers steady your spirit, ease that moment of pressure, and help you enter the day with gratitude, not anxiety. Wishing you a gentle, grace-filled Thanksgiving. With hope and delight, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor Presbyterian Outlook

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