every year during the holidays,

[ulysses]

my mother-in-law all but forces me to give a prayer before either Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner, even though she knows I'm not a believer - it's either that or get a "god is great, god is good" prayer from one of her own kids. I can give good prayer when necessary.

My immediate in-laws aren't fundies, but they're solid Republicans. I'm working on my prayer for this year's Christmas dinner. I'm planning a more pointed version of what I've ad libbed in the past.

Dear Lord, we come before you as a family in the spirit of the season of peace, that you might guide us toward an understanding of all peoples. We ask that you grant us the courage to approach the world with an open heart.

We ask that your blessings be upon ALL those who have died in our current conflicts and that peace be restored to the world. In Christ's name we pray, amen.

This will go over like the proverbial turd in the proverbial punchbowl, I'm certain...

[Dem Agog]

1. Good work, but....

I would be a smart ass and do "God is great, God is good..."

[ulysses]

2. and lose my soapbox?

:D

[Dem Agog]

6. Okay here's my recommendation...

Start out with the GIG, GIG prayer... When she gives you a dirty look launch into your other one. :D

Frankly I think you could be a lot more intense in your prayer. Stuff like,

"Please dear Lord, make the scales of intolerance and bigotry fall from our eyes and allow us to accept every human as a child of God, loved by you unconditionally.

...

And thank you Lord, for granting us life in this wonderful country, where we can not only give thanks to you on this, the most special of days, but where we also have the freedom to speak out against the senseless murder of all your children, middle-eastern and American alike, in Iraq. Please bring wisdom to our President and true, honorable peace to the region..."

Now my friend that would go over like a lead balloon! :D

[seaj11]

10. Well, either one...

ulysses's or Dem Agog's...depends on how brave you feel. :D

[candy]

3. How about this one----

Good food.
Good meat.
Good God,let's eat!!!!!!

p.s.---I really like the one that you wrote.

[ulysses]

4. that's the other one she's likely to get

from one of her own kids. :)

[David Dunham]

5. Add "May God forgive those who have mistakenly led us into war"

A cute attack upon Bush-Cheney.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

7. I think it is a good prayer

with sentiments that are thoughtful-if these people are Christians, and have read the words of Jesus, they should agree with it.

Our prayer goes like this:

Oh Thou, the Sustainer of our bodies, hearts, and souls,
Bless all that we receive in thankfulness. Amin.

I use it when visiting my family, who are Christians (Methodists, to be exact), and they don't seem to mind-but then they all vote Democratic.

[demnan]

8. Just read directly from the Sermon on the Mount

that's a good prayer.

[sweetladybug]

9. I have a prayer for you

Bless the meat. Damn the skin. Open your mouth and cram it in. Amen
(just teasing)