God, we know this is a weekend when we are supposed to be steeped in gratitude.

Would you empower us to be “detectives of divinity” as we walk through piles of crisp leaves and gorge ourselves on nostalgia and pumpkin pie?

But God,  this is also a messy weekend, a polarizing weekend.

Some of us will be gathered around tables with people we love (most of the time). Others of us will be reminded of just how lonely we really are.

Our prayer is that no matter where we find ourselves this weekend, we feel your solidarity. You who knows the joy of feasting in community with strangers and dear ones. You who know the pain of absolute loneliness.

Amen