Giving Thanks: Graces for Every Occasion

A.J. Pell is the rector of Holy Trinity Cathedral, Diocese of New
Westminster in British Columbia.

Polls suggest that a significant number of North Americans are
“spiritual” but made uncomfortable by the external manifestations of
organized religion. This book contains 50 graces (all but one of which
were composed by the authors) that can be used on a wide variety of
occasions. Intended for the layperson who is uncertain of what to say
when asked to “say grace” at a meal or to “give a prayer of
dedication,” or for the cleric who wishes to avoid giving offence in a
pluralistic context, the graces pursue a variety of themes, from food
(“Hunger and thirst”) to world peace (“A safe and peaceful
world”) to reflecting the divine in human life (“To be like you”).
All are simple, straightforward, and brief. Although the authors’
worldview prevails, each grace is worded so as not to exclude a person
from another religious heritage. All in all, Giving Thanks is a gentle
and useful resource that deserves wide circulation.