Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Gracious God and Heavenly Father,
On this Thanksgiving Day we have so many reasons to rejoice and be thankful. We are so blessed that sometimes it is easy; we have nice homes, enough to eat, we live in a beautiful country, we are able to worship in freedom with our church family and much more besides. We also face trials like those in less comfortable circumstances: seasonal sickness, declining health, loneliness and heartache, family and marital problems, injustice, financial uncertainty and weariness over the general decline in civilization. We are commanded, however, to rejoice and give thanks in all circumstances, because it is your will. Today and every day, whether easy or difficult, let us remember your goodness and mercy to us, LORD. You have provided everything we need. You have given us your own dear Son to bridge the insurmountable gap between us and pay the penalty for our sin. How can we do anything but give thanks when we contemplate this loving sacrifice? So we praise you and thank you and offer our lives to you in loving service.
In Christ’s name. AMEN.