He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth: wine that gladdens human hearts, oil to make their faces shine, and bread that sustains their hearts. (Psalm 104:14-15 NIV)
Come, ye thankful people, come,
Raise the song of harvest home;
All is safely gathered in,
Ere the winter storms begin.
God our Maker doth provide
For our wants to be supplied;
Come to God’s own temple, come;
Raise the song of harvest home.*
Today, families and friends across the United States will gather to celebrate Thanksgiving. Some will watch parades or football games, some will attend church services, but most will come together around a table to share a meal. Whether cooked at home or purchased from a restaurant, the ingredients for that meal likely came from a store.
In generations past, a Thanksgiving meal might have been made entirely from what a family could grow or provide themselves. Today, however, we rely on a large and complex network of people and businesses to bring food from “field to table.” From farmers to buyers, processors, distributors, transporters, wholesalers, and retailers, countless individuals contribute to the food we enjoy.
So today, let us give thanks not only for family and warm homes, and for God’s provision in all things, but also for those who produce our food. Farmers, ranchers, and local producers form the foundation of our food system. May we continue to pray for their safety, wisdom in managing their work, and protection from economic and physical challenges as they produce our food. With the average age of a U.S. farmer now 58, let us also pray that young people will be inspired, equipped, resourced, and called to step into this vital role, ensuring that our food systems remain strong for generations to come.
All-Sufficient God,
Lord, we thank you for the opportunity to gather with family and friends today to remember all that you have provided for us. Thank you that our daily needs—air, water, food, clothing, warmth, and more—are met, and that you bless us abundantly beyond what we require. Today, we especially remember and give thanks for all those whose work provides the food we eat. We pray for their safety and protection, particularly from economic and physical hardships. Grant them wisdom and knowledge in caring for their soil, crops, and animals, and in managing their businesses well. Plant in the hearts of young men and women the desire, vision, and calling to help feed the world. Guide governments, tax and other policies, and the economic environment so that farming remains viable and sustainable and people can afford to farm. Lord, we acknowledge that you are the giver of all good gifts, and we thank you for this day and for the dedicated people whose work provides for our needs. We ask these blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. AMEN.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17 NIV)
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion… (2 Corinthians 9:10-11 NIV)
*“Come, Ye Thankful People, Come” by Henry Alford, 1844 — Public Domain