Glory to God for All Things: An Akathist of Thanksgiving was written in Russia by Metropolitan Tryphon of Turkestan (born: Prince Boris Petrovich Turkestanov) not long before his death in 1934, at the height of the Soviet persecution of Christians.
The title comes from the last words of Saint John Chrysostom as he died in exile in 407 A.D.
The akathist was found among the belongings of Archpriest Gregory Petrov, who died in a Soviet prison camp in 1940.
Below is the link to a downloadable booklet of the akathist, arranged as a reader's service to be said or sung at home. As it is a prayer of thanksgiving, it is appropriate for any time, although with it's constant references to the glory of the created world it might be particularly suitable around Pentecost or on the 1st / 14th of September, which is the beginning of the Church Year.
Akathist of Thanksgiving:
"Glory to God for All Things"
Kontakion I
Everlasting King, Thy will for our salvation is full of power. Thy right arm doth control the whole course of human life. We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and unseen; for eternal life, for the heavenly joys of the Kingdom which is to be. Grant mercy to us who sing Thy praise, both now and in the time to come:
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age!
Ikos I
I was born a weak, defenseless child, but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle to defend me. From birth until now Thy love hath illumined my path, and hath wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the generous gifts of Thy providence hath been marvelously showered upon me. I give Thee thanks, with all who have come to know Thee, who call upon Thy Name:
Glory to Thee for calling me into being.
Glory to Thee, showing me the beauty of the universe.
Glory to Thee, spreading out before me heaven and earth, like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom.
Glory to Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting world.
Glory to Thee for Thy mercies, seen and unseen.
Glory to Thee through every sigh of my sorrow.
Glory to Thee for every step of my life’s journey and every moment of glory.
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion II
O Lord, how lovely it is to be Thy guest: breeze full of scents; mountains reaching to the skies; waters like boundless mirrors, reflecting the sun’s golden rays and the scudding clouds. All nature murmurs mysteriously, breathing the depth of tenderness. Birds and beasts of the forest bear the imprint of Thy love. Blessed art thou, mother earth, in thy fleeting loveliness, which wakens our yearning for happiness that will last forever, in the land where, amid beauty that grows not old, the cry rings out: Alleluia!
Ikos II
Thou hast brought me into life as into an enchanted paradise. We have seen the sky like a chalice of deepest blue, wherein the azure heights the birds are singing. We have listened to the soothing murmur of the forest and the melodious music of the streams. We have tasted fruit of fine flavor and the sweet-scented honey. We can live very well on Thine earth. It is a pleasure to be Thy guest:
Glory, to Thee for the Feast Day of life.
Glory, to Thee for the perfume of lilies and roses.
Glory, to Thee for each different taste of berry and fruit.
Glory, to Thee for the sparkling silver of early morning dew.
Glory, to Thee for the joy of dawn’s awakening.
Glory, to Thee for the new life each day brings.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion III
It is the Holy Spirit Who maketh us to find joy in each flower: the exquisite scent, the delicate color, the beauty of the Most High in the tiniest of things. Glory and honor be to the Spirit, the Giver of Life, Who covereth the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowneth the harvest with gold, and giveth to us the joy of gazing at it with our eyes. O be ye joyful and sing to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos III
How glorious art Thou in the springtime, when every creature awakens to new life and joyfully sings Thy praises with a thousand tongues. Thou art the Source of Life, the Destroyer of Death. By the light of the moon nightingales sing, and the valleys and hills lie like wedding garments, white as snow. All the earth is Thy promised bride awaiting her spotless husband. If the grass of the field is like this, how gloriously shall we be transfigured in the Second Coming after the Resurrection! How splendid our bodies, how spotless our souls:
Glory, to Thee, bringing from the depth of the earth an endless variety of colors, tastes and scents.
Glory, to Thee for the warmth and tenderness of the world of nature.
Glory, to Thee for the numberless creatures around us.
Glory, to Thee for the depths of Thy wisdom, the whole world a living sign of it.
Glory, to Thee; on my knees, I kiss the traces of Thine unseen hand.
Glory, to Thee, enlightening us with the clearness of eternal life.
Glory, to Thee for the hope of the unutterable, imperishable beauty of immortality.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion IV
How filled with sweetness are those whose thoughts dwell on Thee; how life-giving Thy holy Word. To speak with Thee is more soothing than anointing with oil, sweeter than the honeycomb. To pray to Thee lifts the spirit, refreshes the soul. Where Thou art not, there is only emptiness; hearts are smitten with sadness; nature, and life itself, become sorrowful; where Thou art, the soul is filled with abundance, and its song resounds like a torrent of life: Alleluia!
Ikos IV
When the sun is setting, when quietness falls like the peace of eternal sleep, and the silence of the spent day reigns, then in the splendor of its declining rays, filtering through the clouds, I see Thy dwelling-place: fiery and purple, gold and blue, they speak prophetically of the ineffable beauty of Thy presence, and call to us in their majesty. We turn to the Father:
Glory, to Thee at the hushed hour of nightfall;
Glory, to Thee, covering the earth with peace.
Glory, to Thee for the last ray of the sun as it sets.
Glory, to Thee for sleep’s repose that restores us.
Glory, to Thee for Thy goodness even in the time of darkness when all the world is hidden from our eyes.
Glory, to Thee for the prayers offered by a trembling soul.
Glory, to Thee for the pledge of our reawakening on that glorious last day, that day which has no evening.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion V
The dark storm clouds of life bringeth no terror to those in whose hearts Thy fire is burning brightly. Outside is the darkness of the whirlwind, the terror and howling of the storm; but in the heart, in the presence of Christ, there is light, peace and silence: Alleluia!
Ikos V
I see Thy heavens resplendent with stars. How glorious art Thou, radiant with light! Eternity watcheth me by the rays of the distant stars. I am small, insignificant, but the Lord is at my side. Thy right arm guideth me wherever I go:
Glory, to Thee, ceaselessly watching over me.
Glory, to Thee for the encounters Thou dost arrange for me.
Glory, to Thee for the love of parents, for the faithfulness of friends.
Glory, to Thee for the humbleness of the animals which serve me.
Glory, to Thee for the unforgettable moments of life.
Glory, to Thee for the heart’s innocent joy.
Glory, to Thee for the joy of living moving and being able to return Thy love.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion VI
How great and how close art Thou in the powerful track of the storm! How mighty Thy right arm in the blinding flash of the lightning! How awesome Thy majesty! The voice of the Lord filleth the fields; it speaketh in the rustling of the trees. The voice of the Lord is in the thunder and the downpour. The voice of the Lord is heard above the waters. Praise be to Thee in the roar of mountains ablaze. Thou dost shake the earth like a garment; Thou dost pile up to the sky the waves of the sea. Praise be to Thee, bringing low the pride of man. Thou dost bring from his heart a cry of penitence: Alleluia!
Ikos VI
When the lightning flash has lit up the camp dining hall, how feeble seems the light from the lamp. Thus dost Thou, like the lightning, unexpectedly light up my heart with flashes of intense joy. After Thy blinding light, how drab, how colorless, how illusory all else seems. My soul clings to Thee:
Glory, to Thee, the highest peak of men’s dreaming.
Glory, to Thee for our unquenchable thirst for communion with God.
Glory, to Thee, making us dissatisfied with earthly things.
Glory, to Thee, turning on us Thy healing rays.
Glory, to Thee, subduing the power of the spirits of darkness and dooming to death every evil.
Glory, to Thee for the signs of Thy presence.
Glory, to Thee for the joy of hearing Thy voice and living in Thy love.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion VII
In the wondrous blending of sounds it is Thy call we hear; in the harmony of many voices, in the sublime beauty of music, in the glory of the works of great composers. Thou leadest us to the threshold of paradise to come, and to the choirs of angels. All true beauty has the power to draw the soul towards Thee, and to make it sing in ecstasy: Alleluia!
Ikos VII
The breath of Thy Holy Spirit inspireth artists, poets and scientists. The power of Thy supreme knowledge maketh them prophets and interpreters of Thy laws, Who revealeth the depths of Thy creative wisdom. Their works speaketh unwittingly of Thee. How great art Thou in Thy creation! How great art Thou in man:
Glory, to Thee, showing Thine unsurpassable power in the laws of the universe.
Glory, to Thee, for all nature is filled with Thy laws.
Glory, to Thee for what Thou hast revealed to us in Thy mercy.
Glory, to Thee for what Thou hast hidden from us in Thy wisdom.
Glory, to Thee for the inventiveness of the human mind.
Glory, to Thee for the dignity of man’s labour.
Glory, to Thee for the tongues of fire that bring inspiration.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion VIII
How near Thou art in the day of sickness. Thou Thyself visitest the sick; Thou Thyself bendest over the sufferer’s bed. His heart speaks to Thee. In the throes of sorrow and suffering Thou bringest peace and unexpected consolation. Thou art the comforter. Thou art the love which watcheth over and healeth us. To Thee we sing the song: Alleluia!
Ikos VIII
When in childhood I called upon Thee consciously for the first time, Thou didst hear my prayer, and Thou didst fill my heart with the blessing of peace. At that moment, I knew Thy goodness and knew how blessed art those who turn to Thee. I started to call upon Thee night and day; and now even now I call upon Thy Name:
Glory, to Thee, satisfying my desires with good things.
Glory, to Thee, watching over me day and night.
Glory, to Thee, curing affliction and emptiness with the healing flow of time.
Glory, to Thee, no loss is irreparable in Thee, Giver of eternal life to all.
Glory, to Thee, making immortal all that is lofty and good.
Glory, to Thee, promising us the longed-for meeting with our loved ones who have died.
Glory, to Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion IX
Why is it that on a Feast Day the whole of nature mysteriously smiles? Why then dost a heavenly gladness fill our hearts – a gladness far beyond that of earth – and the very air in church and in the altar becomes luminous? It is the breath of Thy gracious love. It is the reflection of the glory of Mount Tabor. Then do heaven and earth sing Thy praise: Alleluia!
Ikos IX
When Thou didst call me to serve my brothers and filled my soul with humility, one of Thy deep, piercing rays shone into my heart; it became luminous, full of light like iron glowing in the furnace. I have seen Thy face, the face of mystery and of unapproachable glory:
Glory, to Thee, transfiguring our lives with deeds of love.
Glory, to Thee, making wonderfully sweet the keeping of Thy commandments.
Glory, to Thee, making Thyself known where man shows mercy on his neighbour.
Glory, to Thee, sending us failure and misfortune that we may understand the sorrows of others.
Glory, to Thee, rewarding us so well for the good we do.
Glory, to Thee, welcoming the impulse of our heart’s love.
Glory, to Thee, raising to the heights of heaven every act of love in earth and sky.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion X
No one can put together what has crumbled into dust, but Thou canst restore a conscience turned to ashes. Thou can restore to its former beauty a soul lost and without hope. With Thee, there is nothing that cannot be redeemed. Thou art love; Thou art Creator and Redeemer. We praise Thee, singing: Alleluia!
Ikos X
Remember, my God, the fall of Lucifer full of pride, keep me safe with the power of Thy Grace; save me from falling away from Thee. Save me from doubt. Incline my heart to hear Thy mysterious voice every moment of my life. Incline my heart to call upon Thee, present in everything:
Glory, to Thee for every happening, every condition in which Thy providence has put me.
Glory, to Thee for what Thou speakest to me in my heart.
Glory, to Thee for what Thou revealest to me, asleep or awake.
Glory, to Thee for scattering our vain imaginations.
Glory, to Thee for raising us from the slough of our passions through suffering.
Glory, to Thee for curing our pride of heart by humiliation.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion XI
Across the cold chains of the centuries, I feel the warmth of Thy breath, I feel Thy blood pulsing in my veins. Part of time has already gone, but now Thou art the present. I stand by Thy Cross; I was the cause of it. I cast myself down in the dust before it. Here is the triumph of love, the victory of salvation. Here the centuries themselves cannot remain silent, singing Thy praises: Alleluia!
Ikos XI
Blessed are they that will share in the King’s Banquet: but already on earth Thou givest me a foretaste of this blessed-ness. How many times with Thine own hand hast Thou held out to me Thy Body and Thy Blood, and I, though a miserable sinner, have received this Mystery, and have tasted Thy love, so ineffable, so heavenly:
Glory, to Thee for the unquenchable fire of Thy Grace.
Glory, to Thee, building Thy Church, a haven of peace in a tortured world.
Glory, to Thee for the life-giving water of Baptism in which we find new birth.
Glory, to Thee, restoring to the penitent purity white as the lily.
Glory, to Thee for the cup of salvation and the bread of eternal joy.
Glory, to Thee for exalting us to the highest heaven.
Glory, To Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion XII
How often have I seen the reflection of Thy glory in the faces of the dead. How resplendent they were, with beauty and heavenly joy. How ethereal, how translucent their faces. How triumphant over suffering and death, their felicity and peace. Even in the silence they were calling upon Thee. In the hour of my death, enlighten my soul, too, that it may cry out to Thee: Alleluia!
Ikos XII
What sort of praise can I give Thee? I have never heard the song of the Cherubim, a joy reserved for the spirits above. But I know the praises that nature sings to Thee. In winter, I have beheld how silently in the moonlight the whole earth offers Thee prayer, clad in its white mantle of snow, sparkling like diamonds. I have seen how the rising sun rejoices in Thee, how the song of the birds is a chorus of praise to Thee. I have heard the mysterious mutterings of the forests about Thee, and the winds singing Thy praise as they stir the waters. I have understood how the choirs of stars proclaim Thy glory as they move forever in the depths of infinite space. What is my poor worship? All nature obeys Thee, I do not. Yet while I live, I see Thy love, I long to thank Thee, and call upon Thy Name:
Glory, to Thee, giving us light.
Glory, to Thee, loving us with love so deep, divine and infinite.
Glory, to Thee, blessing us with light, and with the host of angels and saints.
Glory, to Thee, Father all-holy, promising us a share in Thy Kingdom.
Glory, to Thee, Redeemer Son, who hast shown us the path to salvation.
Glory, to Thee, Holy Spirit, life-giving Sun of the world to come.
Glory, to Thee for all things, Holy and most merciful Trinity.
Glory, to Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion XIII
Life-giving and merciful Trinity, receive my thanksgiving for all Thy goodness. Make us worthy of Thy blessings, so that, when we have brought to fruit the talents Thou hast entrusted to us, we may enter into the joy of our Lord, forever exulting in the shout of victory: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia!
This Kontakion is recited thrice, whereupon Ikos I and Kontakion I are repeated:
Ikos I
I was born a weak, defenseless child, but Thine angel spread his wings over my cradle to defend me. From birth until now Thy love hath illumined my path, and hath wondrously guided me towards the light of eternity; from birth until now the generous gifts of Thy providence hath been marvelously showered upon me. I give Thee thanks, with all who have come to know Thee, who call upon Thy Name:
Glory to Thee for calling me into being.
Glory to Thee, showing me the beauty of the universe.
Glory to Thee, spreading out before me heaven and earth, like the pages in a book of eternal wisdom.
Glory to Thee for Thine eternity in this fleeting world.
Glory to Thee for Thy mercies, seen and unseen.
Glory to Thee through every sigh of my sorrow.
Glory to Thee for every step of my life’s journey and every moment of glory.
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age!
Kontakion I
Everlasting King, Thy will for our salvation is full of power. Thy right arm doth control the whole course of human life. We give Thee thanks for all Thy mercies, seen and unseen; for eternal life, for the heavenly joys of the Kingdom which is to be. Grant mercy to us who sing Thy praise, both now and in the time to come:
Glory to Thee, O God, from age to age!
Prayer of Thanksgiving by St Basil the Great
(said while kneeling)
O Existing One, Master Lord, God, almighty and adorable Father: It is truly meet and right and befitting the majesty of Thy holiness that we should praise Thee, hymn Thee, bless Thee, worship Thee, give thanks unto Thee and glorify Thee, the only truly existing God, and offer unto Thee with contrite heart and spirit of humility this our rational worship; for Thou art He that hath graciously bestowed upon us the knowledge of Thy truth.
And who is sufficient to speak of Thy mighty acts, to make all Thy praises to be heard, or to tell of all Thy wonders at every season? O Master of all, Lord of heaven and earth, and of all creation both visible and invisible, Who sittest upon the throne of glory and beholdest the depths, Who art unoriginate, invisible, immutable, the Father of our Lord: the great God and Saviour Jesus Christ, our Hope, Who is the Image of Thy goodness, the Seal of equal type, in Himself showing forth Thee, the Father, the living Word, the true God, the Wisdom before all ages, the Life, Sanctification, Power, the true Light, through Whom the Holy Spirit was manifested: the Spirit of truth, the Gift of adoption, the Pledge of the inheritance to come, the First-fruits of eternal good things, the life-giving Power, the Fountain of sanctification, by Whom enabled every rational and intelligent creature doth serve Thee and ascribe to Thee perpetual praise, for all things are Thy servants.
Filled thus with great awe at Thine immeasurable mercies and love, do Thou receive the unfeigned praise and thanksgiving of our unworthy hearts for all that Thou hast provided for us in this world and the next, and enable us to walk before Thee in holiness and purity all the days of our life in fitting gratitude for Thy loving-kindness to us; For blessed art Thou O Holy Father together with Thy Son, our Lord Jesus Christ to Whom, with Thee and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory and worship, now and every and unto ages of ages.
Amen.