O God, who sets the lonely in families, we thank You for our family and home (Psalm 68:6). Unless You build the house, we labor to build it in vain (cf. Psalm 127:1).
Renew the love of husbands and wives. Turn the hearts of parents to children and children to parents (cf. Malachi 4:6). Bless those who live alone with caring relationships. As John took Jesus’ mother Mary into his home, may our home know no stranger, may no one feel alienated (John 19:27). For family members far from home, may Your righteousness and mercy watch between us while we are away from one another (Genesis 31:49). Send Your angels to keep watch over our military personnel as they keep watch for us.
For those lacking the necessities of life, give the promise You gave the widow of Zarephath, that the oil and flour will not fail (1 Kings 17:14). Through Your people provide mercies to the victims of natural and man-made disasters. When death took the widow’s son, resurrection restored her life, just as Jesus’ resurrection promises us restoration. May any place made empty by death turn our hearts to that place where there “is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). If we are bitter about our lot in life, as Naomi was long ago, may our time at home put peace and praise on our mouths as it did on hers (Ruth 1:21; 4:15).
O God, our Father and Father of our Lord Jesus, may we glimpse in our home this Thanksgiving our eternal house in heaven, knowing now by faith what ear has not hear nor eye seen, the good things You have prepared for those who love You and wait on Your Word (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:1; 1 Corinthians 2:9; Isaiah 64:4). Amen.
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