A Simple Prayer of Thanksgiving

Thank you, God for the times You have said “no.” They have helped me depend on You so much more.
Thank you, God, for unanswered prayer. It reminds me that You know what’s best for me, even when my opinion differs from Yours.
Thank You, Lord, for the things you have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize.
Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go.
Thank you, Lord, for the physical pain You’ve allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf.
Thank you, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You.
Thank you, God, for the uncertainties I’ve experienced. They have deepened my trust in You.
Thank You, Lord, for the times You came through for me when I didn’t even know I needed a rescue.
Thank You, Lord, for the losses I have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are my greatest gain.
Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and mold-able.
Thank You, God, for the times I haven’t been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are sovereign and on the throne.
Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven.
Thank You, God, that I have an inheritance in the heavenly places…something that this world can never steal from me and I could never selfishly squander.
Thank You, God, for the greatest gift You could ever give me: forgiveness through Your perfect Son’s death on the cross on my behalf.
Thank You, God, for the righteousness You credited toward me, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It’s a righteousness I could never earn or attain on my own.
Thank You, Father, that You know me, You hear me, and You see my tears. Remind me through difficult times that You are God, You are on the throne, and You are eternally good.
And thank You, Lord, not only for my eternal salvation, but for the salvation You afford every day of my life as You save me from myself, my foolishness, my own limited insights, and my frailties in light of Your power and strength.

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– Cindy McMenamin, Author

The Thanksgiving Song/Prayer

Grateful for each hand we hold
Gathered round this table.
From far and near we travel home,
Blessed that we are able.
Grateful for this sheltered place
With light in every window,
Saying welcome, welcome, share this feast
Come in away from sorrow.
Father, mother, daughter, son,
Neighbor, friend and friendless;
All together everyone in the gift of loving-kindness.
Grateful for whats understood,
And all that is forgiven;
So thankful for Christ our LORD
Who made our life worth living.
Father, mother, daughter, son,
Neighbor, friend, and friendless;
All together everyone, let grateful days be endless.
Grateful for each hand we hold
Gathered round this table.

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– Mary Chapin Carpenter – Thanksgiving Song Lyrics 

Dear Abby’s Thanksgiving Prayer

O Heavenly Father:
We thank Thee for food and remember the hungry.
We thank Thee for health and remember the sick.
We thank Thee for friends and remember the friendless.
We thank Thee for freedom and remember the enslaved.
May these remembrances stir us to service.
That Thy gifts to us may be used for others. Amen.

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– “Dear Abby” Columnist

A Prayer For A Thankful Heart

Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all my circumstances. I will to rejoice in You always. I long to bring pleasure to Your heart daily. Break the power of sin in my life. Deliver me from the evil one. Change my outlook and attitude into one of joyful contentment with my present circumstances. I thank You for difficult circumstances: they teach me patience and deepen my faith.

Jesus, I want to be like You. I want to obey the Father without complaint. Convict me when I complain or compare myself with others. Give me, I pray, Your attitude of humility and thankful acceptance. I want to be like the Apostle Paul who learned contentment in every circumstance. I will to praise You. I long to bring a smile to Your face. Teach me the power of a thankful heart. I know that Your truth dwells in a thankful heart.

“I will give thanks to the LORD because of His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! You have set Your glory above the heavens” (Psalm 7:17-18:1). In Jesus’ name, amen.

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– Debbie Przybylski, Intercessors Arise International

A Thanksgiving Prayer

Abba Father, holy is Your name. Thank You for Your amazing power and work in our lives, thank You for your goodness and for Your blessings over us. Thank you for Your great love and care. Thank You for Your sacrifice in sending Your only begotten to bear our sin and shame and make it possible for us to be right with You. Forgive us for when we don’t thank You enough, for who You are, for all that You do, for all that You’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on You afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with Your peace and joy. We love You and we need You, this day and every day. We give You praise and thanks, for You alone are worthy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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– Debbie McDaniel, Crosswalk.com Contributor

A Prayer For Protection

{Based on Psalm 17}

Hear my cause, O Lord; listen to my cry for help. I have examined by heart, my prayer is honest; I’m on the level. Father, You are holy and just. You see things as they are whereas we see them as they appear to be. Your eyes can detect a bad motive or an evil heart. If You try my faith; if you put me to the test, there must be a reason. If You are testing my son, there is a reason, a good reason. Our problem at present does not involve others, it is not about what others have done to us. No one has mistreated us–our problem pertains to our faith and our personal walk with You. Can we trust You in the darkness? Can we believe in You when heaven is silent and our prayers are not being answered? I call upon You to break the silence–speak to us. In some wondrous or simple way, reaffirm Your love for us. Perhaps it would be a simple recollection of the cross and what Jesus did for us there. Although He was abused and mistreated, He did not respond in kind, He did not curse His enemies or retaliate in any form. During heavens silence, He showed Himself weak in order to save us. Father, keep the cross ever on our minds. It should be the only reminder we need of Your love for us. Please guard my son, hide him in the shadow of your wings. I am not asking for riches or honor, only for his peace of mind. Jesus was surrounded by those who hated Him. They mocked and ridiculed Him as He suffered for our sins. We are surrounded by friends who love us and our praying for us. Deliver us from our fears and fill us with Your peace. Someday LORD, and it will not be long, we will awaken and see Your face–when we do, we will see righteousness and peace and our hearts with be satisfied. In Jesus name, we pray! Amen.

[6/15/17]