Psalm 107:1–9
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble and gathered in from the lands, from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south. Some wandered in desert wastes, finding no way to a city to dwell in; hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted within them. Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way till they reached a city to dwell in. Let them thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.
Thanksgiving Day Prayer
Our Father in Heaven,
Today we train our hearts and minds in thankfulness.
Clear our minds to see you, this world, and ourselves as we really are.
What is man that you are mindful of him?
We are like the grass of the field, here today and gone tomorrow.
All we like sheep have gone astray and find ourselves in desperate need.
We tell ourselves that we deserve much more than our feeble attempts could ever earn.
And we turn blind eyes to the true seriousness and extent of our sins.
You are the eternal God,
who is never in need, never lacking, never falling short.
Everything we have to give is already yours.
All of creation is from you, through you, and to you.
You are perfect in joy, peace, and love,
Forever sufficient and always complete.
And yet, the Son of God descended to earth
to wash the unclean,
cover the shamed,
give to the undeserving,
seek the lost, heal the sick,
atone for sinners,
redeem slaves, adopt orphans,
include outsiders, pay our debts,
bear our punishments,
and breathe life into dead hearts.
We give thanks for your abundant mercy to rebellious sinners like us.
Gracious Savior, shape our lives around this truth.
Help us face our trials in light of your overwhelming love.
Help us heal from our losses in light of your sustaining provision.
Help us fight our fears in light of your constant faithfulness.
We give thanks for granting us faith and understanding.
Heavenly Father, renew our minds with this truth.
Root out the lies that remain in our thoughts.
Reveal the emptiness of our idols and distractions.
Refresh us with your life-giving wisdom.
We give thanks for the adoption of outsiders like us.
Holy Spirit, ground our identity in this truth.
Empower us to love our enemies as you loved us.
Embolden us to seek the lost as you sought us.
Equip us to tend to the wounded as you healed us.
In your mighty name,
Amen