Giving Thanks

A single grateful thought toward heaven is the most perfect prayer.

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing

Thanksgiving is an American tradition that began with the Pilgrims praising God for a good harvest. For some, it’s turned into just a day off and a big meal, or perhaps to a general feeling of thanks. For God’s people, however, it can be an invitation to proclaim our gratefulness and praise for God’s continuing power and presence.

Scripture tells us to be "thankful in everything, in all circumstances" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). The challenge for us is that we often give thanks only after a long litany of requests. Today might be a good time to focus on thanking God first, before any requests. Thank him – first – for the way he already has been working in your life and the lives of people you know. Thank him – first – for his answers to prayer and his provision for your needs; such blessings are just begging to be noticed.

When we focus on giving thanks, it can help us pay more attention to God’s blessings.

I know this is not always easy. When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens…or worried about tomorrow…our circumstances can make us feel as if a huge wave has bowled us over. Or, if we are focused on a much-desired “want”, we can become more negative and envious; more interested in grasping than receiving.

If we believe, however, that we are God’s loved children, then in response we will seek to hear his voice more frequently, living less “under the circumstances” and more “under the shadow of His wings.”

I know that when I start to hear myself whine or worry, I am focusing too much on myself. The antidote is to turn back to God in prayers of thankfulness, because thankfulness repositions the attitude of my heart.

I hope you will take the opportunity to pray with others today, perhaps around the table. You might suggest a subject for thankfulness (such as food, or shelter, or family, or….). Invite people to say a thankfulness comment in prayer, then offer another subject for thankfulness. Everyone will be blessed as you hear others express their thanks.

Psalm 100 in The Message paraphrase version of the Bible encourages us with these words: 

     “On your feet now – applaud GOD! Bring a gift of laughter, sing yourselves into his    

     presence. Know this: GOD is God, and God, GOD. He made us; we didn’t make him. 

     We’re his people, his well-tended sheep. Enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’ Make 

     yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him. For GOD is sheer beauty, 

     all-generous in love, loyal always and ever.”

Let me pray for you as you head out into your day.

Dear Lord, for those today who feel overwhelmed with needs or burdened with circumstances, I pray that you would comfort them. I ask that that you would help us more clearly see the ways you evidence your love and grace to us, in the midst of lives that are broken and sometimes confusing. I ask that you direct our hearts in prayer toward thanksgiving and praise first, allowing that to shape our thoughts and hope, as as we trust in you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Can you share an answer to a prayer, a provision God has given or a blessing you have noticed? I’d love to hear your thankfulness testimonies.