Give Thanks and Pray

Introduction
As a month of harvest, we often see November as a season of giving thanks. Practicing gratitude should come naturally, but our selfish and sinful nature often get in the way. Yet, the Bible tells us much about giving thanks. Practicing gratitude can humble us, make us more whole, and deepen our relationship with our Lord.

Ann Voskamp states it this way in her book, One Thousand Gifts: “We only enter into the full life if our faith gives thanks. Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation if not with thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance of whatever He gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His Grace.” (pg. 39).

Would it surprise you to learn that scientific research shows that the practice of gratitude changes your brain and thought patterns into something calmer? It can lead to more happiness.
But it is not just about a practice. It is about giving thanks to the One who gave up everything to restore us to a right relationship with Him: Jesus!
 
We invite you to spend the next 27 days intentionally meditating on Scriptures that give thanks, and to discover the meaning of a life of Eucharisteo.

“In the original language, “he gave thanks” reads “eucharisteo.” The root word of eucharisteo is charis, meaning “grace.” Jesus took the bread and saw it as grace and gave thanks. He took the bread and knew it to be a gift and gave thanks. Eucharisteo, thanksgiving, envelopes the Greek word for grace, charis. But it also holds its derivative, the Greek word chara, meaning “joy.” Charis. Grace. Eucharisteo. Thanksgiving. Chara. Joy.” (Ann Voskamp, pg. 33).

As you meditate, each day we invite you to let these passages from God’s word lead you into a time of prayer.
 
How to use this journal

For the next 4 weeks we’ll follow a three-day pattern, focusing on one particular passage of scripture for three days at a time. Those three days would look like this:

Day 1 – READ:
1. Enter this time of scripture reading with a short prayer: “Open the eyes of my heart, Lord. I want to see You.”
2. Read and meditate on the passage at the top. If you have more than one translation available, read different translations. You can find many translations together at www.biblegateway.com or at www.youversion.com.
3. Write the verse out on paper. Circle or highlight parts of the passage where God may especially speak to you.
4. Make the verses prominent in your day. Perhaps memorize them or place them where you can see them frequently through the day
5. Use these verses as a guide for prayer
Day 2 – REFLECT:
1. Write out as much of the passage as you can remember, then re-read the passage.
2. Spend a few minutes thinking about the passage and answering the reflection questions provided.
3. Reflect on whether these verses convict you of anything you need to confess before the father.
4. Reflect on what the verses say to you that give you cause for thanksgiving.
5. Take time in confession and in thanksgiving for what God has shown you in these verses.
Day 3 – RESPOND
1. Re-read the verses, then write them down, but this time in your own words.
2. Reflect on what the verses mean to you. How can we practically apply the gratitude we’ve learned in the Word?
3. How can God act in you from these verses? Who could benefit from what you’ve learned? Pray to God seeking his action in your life and in others that you know.
There are 9 selected scriptures. We’ll repeat this three-day pattern for each, for a total of 27 days.

On Sunday, November 24, we have the opportunity to respond to our gratitude at our GMCC worship service. Then, we’ll take a special offering to provide additional support to various ministry partners.
Please consider giving an extra financial gift on that day above and beyond your usual tithe.

May the Lord bless us and be blessed by us during this season of thanksgiving!