Author: William Watkins Reid Sr., 1890- Meter: 10.10.10.10 Appears in 8 hymnals Lyrics: 1 Forgive us, Lord, for shallow thankfulness,
For dull content with warmth and sheltered care,
For songs of praise for food and harvest press,
While of thy richer gifts we're unaware:
2 Teach us to thank thee, Lord, for love and grace,
For life and vision and a purpose clear,
For Christ, thy Son, and for each human face
That shows thy message ever new and near.
3 Forgive us, Lord, for selfish thanks and praise,
For word that speaks at variance with deed;
Forgive our thanks for walking pleasant ways
Unmindful of a broken brother's need:
4 Teach us, O Lord, true thankfulness divine,
That gives as Christ gave, never counting cost,
That knows no barrier of "mine" and "thine,"
Assured that only what's withheld is lost.
5 Forgive us, Lord, for feast that knows not fast,
For joy in things the while we starve the soul,
For walls and wars that hide thy mercies vast
And mar our vision of the kingdom goal:
6 Open our eyes to glimpse thy love's intent,
Our minds and hearts to plumb its depth and height;
May thankfulness be days in service spent,
Reflection of Christ's life and love and light. Amen. Topics: Times and Seasons Thanksgiving Used With Tune: SURSUM CORDA
Forgive Us, Lord, for Shallow Thankfulness