Wednesday November 24, 2021

Today is Wednesday, November 24 and this week we explore what the Bible says about thanksgiving. I encourage you to continue adding to your “gratitude list.” Count your blessings every day.

As I approach this quiet time with God, I pause and become still. I breathe slowly and deeply, and focus myself on the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Loving God, I worship you in the quiet stillness. Help me hear the special message you have for me today. Speak to me through the power of your Holy Spirit in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord. Amen.

I rejoice in God’s goodness and praise him with the words of Psalm 118.

Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. We bless you from the house of the Lord. The Lord is God, and he has given us light. Bind the festal procession with branches, up to the horns of the altar. You are my God, and I will give thanks to you; you are my God, I will extol you. O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 118:26-29 (NRSV)

Pause and Pray

Christians are called to be a people of thanks! Christians bear with one another, appreciate one another and do not take people for granted. One of life’s greatest blessings is relationships with people. I give God thanks for the people he has placed in my life and ask him to move me to a greater love and appreciation for each person. Colossians 3 is sometimes read at services of holy matrimony, because the chapter encourages men and women to clothe themselves with the things that bless relationships – compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience and above all love which binds everything together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:12-14). Paul continues with these admonitions.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Relationships matter. Today I take inventory of all my relationships and give God thanks for each person he has placed in my life – parents, grandparents, siblings, spouse, in-laws, children, grandchildren, friends, neighbors, coworkers. Who do I appreciate the most in my life and how have I expressed my gratitude to them? What are tangible ways I can show love and appreciation? I recall the last time I verbalized my thanks, sent a handwritten note, or gave a gift to demonstrate my appreciation. I consider particular relationships in my life that are strained. What do I see in those people for which I am grateful? Perhaps offering my appreciation will be a doorway to healing. I consider people who serve me in tangible ways – health care professionals, teachers, doctors, firefighters, police officers, military personnel, veterans, pastors, church leaders. How can I demonstrate my appreciation to them?

Ask: What have I done in the past to demonstrate appreciation for people? What more can I do in the future to express my gratitude?

Pause and Pray

Loving God, you are a God of faithfulness offering healing in every relationship. I pray for the peace of Jesus Christ to rule in my heart and for his message to dwell richly in me. I am thankful for my blessings and carry a song of gratitude in my heart. Please bless all my relationships and move me to a place of greater appreciation for each person. I read Colossians again, listening for the message you have for me today.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:15-17

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

As I absorb the words from this beautiful passage of scripture, I consider the state of my own heart. I examine whether Christ truly rules in my heart. Does his peace reign in me, or am I given over to conflict, disagreement, divisions, and strife? When I measure my words and deeds, do I aim to do everything in the name of Jesus Christ, giving thanks through him? Is there gratitude in my heart or have I become calloused toward certain people? Am I conscientious or forgetful when it comes to thanking others? I name ways I have shown my appreciation to God and others and ask the Holy Spirit to help me be more thoughtful and considerate.

Pause and Pray

Lord God, I invite you into a heart that is sometimes unappreciative and ungrateful. Remind me of the many blessings I receive from the people you have placed in my life. Give me a fresh awareness of how you work through others to bless me and enrich my life. Give me a heart of gratitude and joy-filled thanksgiving. Amen.

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 1 Thessalonians 3:9

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I go with a thankful heart ready to express my sincere appreciation for each person I encounter. Amen.