Cranberries and water droplets.

Author: Elton Streyle, Contributor: Noah, Photography and Editing: Ali

I come to You today, Heavenly Father, in Jesus’ Name, to give You thanks for this coming national day of thanksgiving. Show me how to have this day be more than just a day of holiday cheer and festivities. Direct me to have this day serve as a reminder of Your faithfulness and just how much I should be thankful to You. Lamentations 3:22-23 “Through the LORD’S mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.”

No matter what place I find myself in today, encourage me to give thanks to ​You. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything, give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” This year, teach me to give thanks not only for the things You have given, but also for the things You have withheld. Blessings can come not only from abundance, but also from the lack of it. Your plan is always perfect even if I don’t think so sometimes. Jeremiah 29:11 “‘For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future'” (NIV).

Most of all, I want to thank You for the precious, amazing gift of salvation through the birth, death, and resurrection of Your Son. I can never thank You enough for the gift of life found in You through Jesus. I ask that You show me how to extend this season of thankfulness far beyond just the holiday, but into all of life, as is expressed in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing.”

Thank You that I can bring these thoughts in Jesus’ Name, Amen.