Perspective – Henri Nouwen

Perhaps nothing helps us make the movement from our little selves to a larger world than remembering God in gratitude. Such a perspective puts God in view in all of life, not just in the moments we set aside for worship or spiritual disciplines. Not just in the moments when life seems easy.

Henri Nouwen

Check DisciplesWalk.org for a few comments on Nouwen’s perspective.

For the Beauty of the Earth – Folliott Sandford Pierpoint

For the beauty of the earth,
for the glory of the skies,
for the love which from our birth
over and around us lies.

Refrain:
Christ, our Lord, to you we raise
this, our hymn of grateful praise.

For the wonder of each hour
of the day and of the night,
hill and vale and tree and flower,
sun and moon and stars of light, [Refrain ]

For the joy of human love,
brother, sister, parent, child,
friends on earth, and friends above,
for all gentle thoughts and mild, [Refrain]

For yourself, best gift divine,
to the world so freely given,
agent of God’s grand design:
peace on earth and joy in heaven. [Refrain]

From: Psalter Hymnal, 1987; Author: Folliott Sandford Pierpoint

 

Forever Thankful – Terry Ellis

I believe that gratitude is a spiritual discipline on the order of prayer, study, service, etc. God wants us to be thankful, not for His benefit, but for ours! The more grateful we are the closer we draw to God who is the source of all blessings. Our annual celebration of Thanksgiving should be a time when we strengthen the bond between what we are, or what we have, and God’s blessing in our lives. We should become more deeply aware of how greatly God has blessed us.

From: Terry Ellis, “Forever Thankful,” http://gracewavestoday.com/?p=1349

“O give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1

Gratitude and Trust – Brennan Manning

The dominant characteristic of an authentic spiritual life is the gratitude that flows from trust – not only for all the gifts that I receive from God, but gratitude for all the suffering. Because in that purifying experience, suffering has often been the shortest path to intimacy with God.

From: Brennan Manning

The General Thanksgiving – Book of Common Prayer

The General Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.

We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life;
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies,
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages.
Amen.

From: Office of Morning Prayer, Book of Common Prayer (1979), p 101

(Go to Disciplewalk.org for a few thoughts about this prayer)

In Thanksgiving, Let Us Praise Him – Claire Cloninger

In Thanksgiving, Let Us Praise Him

From the first bright light of morning
To the last warm glow of dusk;
Every breath we take is sacred,
For it is God’s gift to us.

Refrain
In thanksgiving, let us praise Him;
In thanksgiving let us sing
Songs of praise and adoration
To our gracious Lord and King.

In the season of our plenty,
In the season of our need;
We will find His grace sufficient,
We will find His love complete.

Safe within His hand that guides us,
Hidden in His healing wings;
Day by day His love provides us
Every good and perfect thing.

Source: Celebration Hymnal #796

http://www.hymnary.org/text/from_the_first_bright_light_of_morning