Praying Thanksgiving

Posted 11/26/2005 10:09:55 PM

Thanksgiving Day is behind us, along with all the family fellowship. food, and activities. We all know we should be thankful for what we have, but it isn't always easy, because our selfish desires drive us to wanting more or different. After all, isn't the Christmas shopping blitz now upon us? Time to get more . . . .

The Bible does have a few things to say about giving thanks, not surprisingly. The bottom line for a Christian is that we are commanded to give thanks. But just in case a direct order isn't enough motivation, here are a few more reasons why we should give thanks:

• To replace worry Php 4:6
• Because it's God's will 1Th 5:18
• It's good Ps 92:1

OK, sure, I'm supposed to be thankful. So what's that supposed to mean? I walk around in a state of thankfulness? I tell everyone I meet how thankful I am? Well, let's see:

• Let others know about God's deeds and wonders 1Ch 16:8,9; Ps 105:1
• Call upon the Lord's name 1Ch 16:8; Ps 105:1; 116:13
• In everything! Col 3:17
• Through prayer and supplication to God Php 4:6
• As a sacrifice - it costs us something, like perhaps having to leave self-pity behind? Ps 50:14; 116:17
• In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ Eph 5:20
• With music 1Chr 16:4-6

For example, when the ark was returned to Jerusalem by David, after years of being in Philistine possesion, David in 1Chr 16:7-36 creates a medley of Ps 105:1-15; Ps 96:1-13; Ps 106:1 in a song of thanksgiving. In addition to remembering God's wonderful acts for the people of Israel and gracious promises for their nation, David uses about half of his song simply to thank God by remembering a few of the aspects of God's character.

One more interesting passage for thought is 1Tim 4:1-5: everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.

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