The Journey Continues: Prayer of Thanksgiving

My journey this week took me to holiday memories of Thanksgiving. While I was in the Service, on Thanksgiving the meal had center of attention! I always looked forward to the scrumptious meal provided to every service person.

From over 40 years ago, I kept the printed menu from the meal I shared at the Cadet Mess, United States Military Academy, West Point, New York which included this “Prayer of Thanksgiving.” This is the best Thanksgiving Day prayer I have ever seen and I want to share it with you. Thanksgiving is more than food; it gives opportunities to live like we have been forgiven and respond with a thankful heart and spirit.

Prayer of Thanksgiving

"Great and merciful God and Father, after whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, on this day of national thanksgiving we appear before Thee with gratitude in our hearts and praises upon our lips. We extol Thee as the Giver and Dispenser of everything we need for our body and life. In the past year, too, Thou hast graciously provided for us and our fellowmen. Thou hast permitted our fields to be tilled, the seed to be sown, the grain to ripen, the harvest to be gathered, gardens and orchards to give their yield. In our country at large Thou hast granted many opportunities for industries and business to develop and serve our citizens in their special sphere. Thou hast let peace reign in our borders and kept the horrors of war from our beloved country. Thou hast mercifully permitted our nation to pursue its course under our Constitution, granting us liberty, especially liberty of conscience and worship. We confess that we are entirely unworthy of all these gifts and blessings. Forgive us our many transgressions. Continue Thy blessings on our beloved land; grant it enduring peace and prosperity; graciously provide employment for all its breadwinners. Let Thy Gospel be preached throughout the length and breadth of the nation for the salvation of mankind. Amen."

It is a prayer of gratitude for the blessings on our nation. I have added two scriptures to accentuate this message:

“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Ephesians 5:20

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

What are you thankful for and who have you thanked?