My Joys

Counting My Blessings

I count my blessings, not my crosses;
I count my gains instead of losses.

I count my joys instead of woes;
I count my friends instead of foes.

I count my smiles instead of tears;
I count my courage, not my fears.

I count full years instead of lean;
I count kind deeds instead of mean.

I count my health instead of wealth;
I love my neighbour as myself.

General Thanksgiving

Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.

We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.

We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.

We furthermore thank you for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence upon your mercies alone.

Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.

Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.

(Book of Common Prayer)

Celtic Blessing

May flowers always line your path and sunshine light your day.
May songbirds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that’s always blue.
And may happiness fill your heart each day your whole life through.

Traditional Irish Blessing

May God give you:

For every storm, a rainbow,
For every tear, a smile,
For every care, a promise,
And a blessing in each trial.
For every problem life sends,
A faithful friend to share,
For every sigh, a sweet song,
And an answer for each prayer.