Thanksgiving and Prayer

Giving thanks is

the key to joy
the cure for depression, anger, and bitterness
the source of the "Big Picture"
the door to fellowship with God
the beginning of humility
the opening for prayer



"Gratitude changes the pangs of memory into a tranquil joy." Dietrich Bonhoeffer

"We have short memories in magnifying God’s grace. Every blessing that God confers upon us perished through our carelessness, if we are not prompt and active in giving thanks." John Calvin

I Thes 5:16-18
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Phil 4:4-7
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the Lord is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the Lord is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations.