Pilgrim prayer encourages gratitude among third-graders

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Third-grade students read a Pilgrim prayer to the student body.

Before Thanksgiving, Seton’s third-grade class prepared a readers’ theater prayer service to perform for the whole school regarding the Pilgrim prayer of five kernels.

The legend tells that during the first winter food was so scarce that on some days each person received only five kernels of corn for the entire day. Thus on following Thanksgivings, the Pilgrims would each place five kernels of corn on their plates and give thanks.  

The third-grade students shelled, by hand, and bagged five kernels of corn for every student in the school to take home, place on his or her Thanksgiving table, and use for prayer.  

The first kernel represents autumn beauty. We thank God for the gifts of nature.

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The second kernel reminds us of our love for one another.

The third kernel reminds us of God’s love and care for us.  

The fourth kernel reminds us of the friends God has given us just as the Native Americans were friends to the Pilgrims.

The fifth kernel reminds us that God hears our prayers and answers them.


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