GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD,
HIS MERCY ENDURES FOREVER
PSALM 107
COMMENTARY
Every day is a day to give thanks to God. We didn’t need the Government to set aside a special day but it is nice to take a break from work and reflect on our blessings with our family and friends despite living at a moment of extraordinary division, discouragement, and uncertainty.
I am reminded of another time in our history where divisions were so severe that military warfare broke out between our states 1863 was the bloodiest year of the Civil War. By some estimates, more than 200,000 American soldiers died that year.
Our nation was wounded, deeply divided, and angry. Political leaders were distrusted and reviled, immigrants and minorities were marginalized, and religious practice was waning in many places. In the midst of this division and bloodshed, President Lincoln called for a day of Thanksgiving and repentance to Almighty God.
Writing to his divided and discouraged country, President Lincoln issued a proclamation re-calling the many blessings that Almighty God had given our nation. Lincoln recognized that the United States had been showered with “the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.”
ABRAHAM LINCOLN’S THANKSGIVING PROCLAMATION
OCTOBER 3, 1863
“The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed we are prone to forget the source from which they come…the watchful providence of Almighty God.
It has seemed to me fit and proper that the whole American People should solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged with one heart and one voice our gratitude. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States…., to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens…
THANKSGIVING PRAYER 2024
Father in Heaven, Creator of all, Thank you for all the graces and blessings you have bestowed upon us, both spiritual and temporal.
Thank you for friends, for health and for grace. For this beautiful earth you gave us as home. We pray that we do not diminish it by our actions.
Most Gracious God, Thank you for the blessings of the food we eat, especially for this feast today. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence.
We give thanks for our family, in good times and bad times. Thank you for your comfort in our sadness, your companionship in our loneliness.
For our Mothers and Fathers, brothers, and sisters, living and dead, that helped in giving direction and guidance in our formative years. .
And For our health in good times and bad times. We willingly accept the burden of poor health to develop more trust and dependency on you, God our Father.
THANKS BE TO GOD!