The Daily: Thursday November 27, 2025

Scripture

Let all the earth shout for joy to Grandfather.
Serve Grandfather with glad hearts.
Come before him with singing and dancing.
Take it to heart that Grandfather is the Great Spirit. He created us for himself. We are his people, the sheep he watches over with tender care.
Enter the sacred circle and dance in step with the drum as they sing honor songs. Send up prayers of thanksgiving and bless his name.
For Grandfather is good, with a love so strong it never ends. He is faithful and true to all generations to come.

Sacred Song 100

Wildman, Terry M.. First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs: An Indigenous Bible Translation (p. 84). (Function). Kindle Edition.

While the season of Thanksgiving is an opportunity to root ourselves in gratitude, it is also a painful season for indigenous people and those who walk with them. In honor of them, our readings this week will be from the First Nations Version: An Indigenous Bible Translation of the New Testament.

That for which I am grateful in this season of gratitude:

The opportunity our current national citcumstances provide to reexamine and reflect on the practice of our faith, and our relationship with one another and the planet. (See this beautifully expressed and nuance essay on "Thanksgiving is Weird If You Follow Jesus" by Disciples minister Derek Penwell)

My parents and teachers (official and unofficial) who have patiently taught, formed, and nurtured me and continue to teach and form and nurture me.

To be a part of a community of spiritual practice and organized resistance at Lake Worth United Church of Christ.

Being able to earn a living doing what I love.

My spouse Trish, companion, partner, and refuge.

My son Emerson, who fills me with pride and hope for the future.



Reflection Question
For what are you grateful in this moment?

Prayer
God, help me to see through the lies of scarcity and fear that surround me daily. Give me the courage to practice gratitude as an act of resistance, trusting in Your abundance even when the world tells me there isn't enough. May my gratitude be a witness to Your generous heart. Amen.