From One Degree to Another

1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.

2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.

3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.

4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.

5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.

6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.

7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;

8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.

9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!

10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!

(Psalm 111)

This past Sunday, we sang the Getty’s song My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness. We also prayed this prayer from Thomas Cranmer…

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
We, your unworthy servants, give humble and hearty thanks 
for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people; 
we bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; 
but, above all, for your amazing love 
in the redemption of the world through our Lord Jesus Christ; 
for the means of grace; 
and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us that due sense of all your mercies, 
that our hearts may be truly thankful 
and that we may declare your praise 
not only with our lips but in our lives, 
by giving up ourselves to your service, 
and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; 
through Jesus Christ our Lord, 
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory, 
now and forever. Amen.

Some other articles that I’ve found helpful are here from CCEF:

Thankful People by David Powlison

“Gratitude happens when you take to heart a good gift that brings you great pleasure. In what follows, I offer you old, seasoned gifts: a hymn, a prayer, and a poem. Each intends to prime the pump of your thankfulness.”

I Am Not Giving Thanks by Ed Welch

“We do not give thanks for oppression or victimization, and we do not give thanks for cancer, spinal cord injuries, or even more innocuous things like headaches.”

Instilling Gratitude in Your Family by Julie Lowe

“Gratitude does not come naturally to us, but it can be cultivated. It acknowledges that no matter my condition, my possessions, my sufferings, or my blessings, we are rich in the ways the world cannot quantify.”

Have a great Thanksgiving week!