Expressions of Thanksgiving

You may have a house full of friends and family, or your holiday might be a cozy couple up time, or perhaps you are flying solo this weekend. No matter your plans, sometime over the holiday, take time to offer your gratitude to God. Here are five activities to choose from that can help you express your heartfelt thanks to the Creator.

Thanksgiving
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.”
— Psalm 107:1

Thanksgiving is literally the giving of thanks and “the act of saying or showing that you are grateful, especially to God.”

Choose a way to thank God with words or actions.

Write out a thank you card to the Lord, date it, then tuck it into your Bible (It will be a faith booster for a time in the future that might be stormy, or a challenge.)

Give thanks to God by helping another with a meal, a grocery store run, or gift cards to provide for their needs or the needs of their family.

Gratitude
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 (NIV)

Gratitude is “the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness.”

This verse encourages wise admonishment to another. Admonishment means to give firm encouragement, earnest advice or life-giving straight talk. Choose someone younger in life or the faith and find a time to take a walk, go to coffee or do a side-by-side activity that opens conversation.

Appreciation

“I will betroth you to Me in stability and in faithfulness. Then you will know (recognize, appreciate) the Lord [and respond with loving faithfulness].” (Hosea 2:20 AMP)

Appreciation is the “recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.”

On a place card, list three positive qualities of each person having dinner with you.  At the top or bottom of the card, write the verse “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Phil 1:3)

Another option is to make a paper tree and various colored paper leaves, give each person attending your Thanksgiving meal 3- 5 leaves and ask them to write what they are thankful for, then tape the leaves to the tree. Another option is to place leaves on a cardboard circle, creating a wreath for your front door or refrigerator door.

Blessing
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.”
— Numbers 6:24-26

Blessing is a “prayer asking for God’s favor and protection.”

Before the holiday meal, place a candle at each plate, then before serving the meal, pray over each person. First thank God for qualities you see in his or her life, then ask God to place His favor and anointing over those you love.

 Adoration

“Ascribe to the LORD the glory and honor due His name; Bring an offering [of thanksgiving] and come before Him; Worship the LORD in the splendor of holiness.” (1 Chron 16:29 AMP)

Adoration is “deep love and respect.”

Take a prayer walk, and list off the names or traits of Christ or The Lord, that you appreciate. You will find a list of names of the Lord in the back of Becoming A Brave New Woman, Discovering Good News in John (names of Jesus) or Names of God card game, or Names of Jesus wooden ornaments.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Pam and Bill Farrel are authors of over 60 books including bestselling Men Are Like Waffles, Women Are Like Spaghetti. Pam is also the co-author of five creative Bible studies including Discovering Joy in Philippians.  This year, the Farrels are thankful Pam is through her cancer chemo treatments and is currently in remission. They are also thankful for celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary and time with their three sons, three daughters in law, and seven grandchildren. Together they Co-Direct Love-Wise.The Farrels currently make their home on a live-aboard boat docked in Southern California.