Thanksgiving is important for Americans historically, but it can also be a huge blessing to us personally. This week we are given some space to “Bless the Lord,” and give thanks for all His many gifts to us. Plus - for those of us who work - the holiday offers a chance to share some relaxation time with friends & family. Even if you live alone - perhaps this is the time you reach out to others for a fellowship gathering, or serve the hungry. I know for many - this is one of your favorite holidays; one with few expectations - just time to be together!
Whatever Thanksgiving means to you this year it reminds us, once again, that we are made for Gratitude. Observing our blessings and then Giving THANKS is an important Soul Muscle for us to strengthen. Words of gratitude to God - even before getting out of bed each day - can make a huge difference in the way our day unfolds. The same is true in the evening. Bedtime - offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day, give thanks to the Good Shepherd who watches over us, and let undone things “be,” till there’s a new day to pick them up again…
Of course, for all of you who are still in town, you are invited to come to the Thanksgiving Service tonight at 6pm, to corporately give thanks to the Giver of all good gifts.
One thing for sure; I give my whole-hearted “Thanks" for this faith-family of St. Christopher’s!
Lastly - I offer you my favorite General Prayer of Thanksgiving that can be read anytime.
It’s found on page 836 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.
We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.
We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.
We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.
Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Susan…+
P.S.: If you are looking for a prayer to offer at the supper table on Thanksgiving, our Book of Common Prayer has a good one...
Thanksgiving Day
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
~ Book of Common Prayer, pg. 246
Whatever Thanksgiving means to you this year it reminds us, once again, that we are made for Gratitude. Observing our blessings and then Giving THANKS is an important Soul Muscle for us to strengthen. Words of gratitude to God - even before getting out of bed each day - can make a huge difference in the way our day unfolds. The same is true in the evening. Bedtime - offers the perfect opportunity to reflect on the day, give thanks to the Good Shepherd who watches over us, and let undone things “be,” till there’s a new day to pick them up again…
Of course, for all of you who are still in town, you are invited to come to the Thanksgiving Service tonight at 6pm, to corporately give thanks to the Giver of all good gifts.
One thing for sure; I give my whole-hearted “Thanks" for this faith-family of St. Christopher’s!
Lastly - I offer you my favorite General Prayer of Thanksgiving that can be read anytime.
It’s found on page 836 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love.
We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.
We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us.
We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone.
Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom.
Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know Christ and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving!
Susan…+
P.S.: If you are looking for a prayer to offer at the supper table on Thanksgiving, our Book of Common Prayer has a good one...
Thanksgiving Day
Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we pray, faithful stewards of your great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of your Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
~ Book of Common Prayer, pg. 246
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