Harvest Thanksgiving and Patient Hope

ALMIGHTY GOD! revealed to us through the sweet harmonies of nature, through all the beauty and glory of this wondrous earth, through the noble deeds of men, and through Thy own dear Son,—hear, we beseech Thee, our mortal cry; hear us, not because of our worthiness, but because of our want and woe and weariness. Though we are but dust, hear the thanksgiving we pour before Thee for the glorious crown with which Thou hast crowned this year, so that man, lifted up from petty cares, may give thought to the blessed things of life. From the dreary winter time, from storm and snow fulfilling Thy word, hast Thou brought this golden crown. Help us to see our poor lives in this; from our cares, our suffering, our sorrow, Thou wilt bring the golden crown of glory. Lord, when our faith fails, and our strength is small; when our hearts are heavy, when labour leads to naught; when the bud becomes no flower, teach us patience. Make us to remember those dreary days of winter, when all things seemed buried, when the springs of life seemed frozen, when the skies were dark and it was difficult to hope; and yet all things fulfilled their course, from the darkness and the cold of winter the earth came forth in glory newly clothed. So will it be with us; let us not doubt; Thy laws of spirit are not less powerful than Thy laws of nature.

When we are weary, let us remember God is never weary. Come when we will, Thou art ever the same. Thus, Almighty God, in chance and change, let our steadfast hope be fixed on Thy steadfastness. Let us ever strive to do Thy most holy Will, so that at last we may be received into eternal Life.—AMEN.