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

Heavenly Father, I come in Jesus’ Name to pray about the theme of Thanksgiving. I thank You for all the normal blessings of food, loved ones, friends, health, etc. However, this Thanksgiving, I want to focus my praise and thanksgiving on items that only You have done and are doing. My ultimate praise and thanksgiving is for my salvation from death and the gift eternal life.

All the many wonderful blessings promised in Your Word (the Bible) are only available to me because of my response to John 5:24. Jesus said: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgement, but has passed from death into life.“

What a blessing it is to know that when I get up in the morning, You are waiting, willing and able to take me through every situation in my life. 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.“

Thank you that as I live this life with its disappointments and struggles, as a child of Yours, none of these things are a waste or a surprise to You. You are loving, sovereign, all powerful, everywhere present, and You have everything work together for my good. Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.“

Thank you that Your well never runs dry. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you.” Thank you for the blessing and peace of forgiveness of sin. 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Since this is only a fraction of who You are and what You do, I ask You to direct me to practice more of Ephesians 5:20 in the coming year. “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Amen.