Thanks Be to God

(Michael Kelly Blanchard)

Who do you thank at the gate of the dawn as the hounds of the night back away?
Who do you thank for the morning's new song, sung by birds as they play?
Who do you thank for the sermon of sun,
Preaching the hope of a new day begun,
Testifying that love's light has won?
Who do you thank for this kingdom come?

Who do you thank for the knowledge of noon that stands every shadow on end?
Who do you thank for the neighborhood tunes,
that float on the breeze like old friends?
Who do you thank as the sky settles down,
and wraps a red robe round town after town
and calls to the stars to start making their rounds?
Who do you thank as this beauty abounds?

Thanks be to God for the wonder of living
Thanks be to God that it¹s free.
Thanks be to God for the life you've been given.
Resting in mercy fragrant and kind,
a sacred design, living awe
Thanks be to God, thanks be to God

Who do you thank for the map of your mind that charters the course of the day,
Leaving you room in this canyon of time, to learn what to look for and say?
Who do you thank for this mural of life,
the savor of senses sharp as a knife,
the privilege of poignant, the honor of right?
Who do you thank for delight?

Who do you thank for the treasure of home, wrapped in the real of routine?
The blessing of knowing your own flesh and bone,
and watching them wake from your dream?
Who do you thank for the structure of souls,
tied to each other from infant to old,
beauty so human, so holy to hold?
Who do you thank for such gold?

Thanks be to God for the life you're living
Thanks be to God that its free.
Thanks be to God that your shame is forgiven
Taken away by the stare of His grace, the look in His face
has melted the mob.
Thanks be to God, thanks be to God.

Who do you thank as the years gather in and hang like sweet herbs in the hall?
Who do you thanks as your moments begin to listen for the final call?
Who do you thank for the shape of your days?
Who do you thank for winning your ways?
Who do you thank for this primer in praise now as spirit leaves clay?

Thanks be to God for the breath that you're breathin',
Thanks be to God that its free.
Thanks be to God, though death may come stealing,
and take what it can, it can't have what you own,
'cause your soul has a home that's beyond this sod,
Thanks be to God, thanks be to, thanks be to God!