{"id":770,"date":"2010-11-25T10:02:34","date_gmt":"2010-11-25T10:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blog.beliefnet.com\/redletters\/2010\/11\/thanksgiving-prayers.html"},"modified":"2010-11-25T10:02:34","modified_gmt":"2010-11-25T10:02:34","slug":"thanksgiving-prayers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.beliefnet.com\/columnists\/redletters\/2010\/11\/thanksgiving-prayers.html","title":{"rendered":"Thanksgiving Prayers"},"content":{"rendered":"
Today is likely one of the most important days of the entire year. Why? Because it focuses on a very important characteristic that is missing in our culture: Gratitude. <\/div>\n
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Gratitude helps us to focus on what has the most value in this life; the love we share with one another, the people who have made an impact on us, our children, our family, our health, the list goes on and on. <\/div>\n
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The apostle Paul wrote in I Thessalonians 5:18, “In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” <\/div>\n
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What a great life lesson to learn. Think of how different our lives would be if we took this truth to heart and didn’t just celebrate Thanksgiving on one day a year, but every day of the year. What if “Thanksgiving” became a way of life? <\/div>\n
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One of my favorite authors, G.K. Chesterton, wrote, “If my children wake up on Christmas morning and have somebody to thank for putting candy in their stocking, have I no one to thank for putting two feet in mine?”<\/div>\n

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This is where gratitude must start for all of us. It centers around a loving Creator who is for us and walks through this life with us. May overwhelming gratitude flood your heart today as you focus on the many blessings in your life.<\/span><\/font><\/span><\/font><\/div>\n

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Here’s a short prayer to go with this wonderful day of celebration:<\/span><\/font><\/span><\/font><\/div>\n
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Father in Heaven, our hearts are filled with gratitude today because of your lovingkindness and care for us. You are the Creator of all and the source of all goodness and love. Hear our prayer this Thanksgiving Day, and smile on us, receiving our heartfelt gratitude for who You are. We thank you for the grace and blessings You have poured into our lives. Thank you for meeting our every need; food and shelter, health, the love we hold for one another and our family and friends. In your infinite love and generosity, we humbly ask for you to continue to walk with us and bless us in this coming year. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.<\/div>\n

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Today is likely one of the most important days of the entire year. Why? 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