In this season of thanksgiving, we remember the words of 1 Chronicles 16:34: “O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.” On this Lord’s Day, we want to focus our hearts on what it means to be thankful to God. The following is a short collection of prayers from faithful men throughout church history that remind us what the outworking of thankfulness looks like in the life of a believer.

We give you thanks, Lord God, for all the benefits we continue to receive from your generous hand. You not only give us what we need in this life, but in your free mercy you have fashioned us anew into an assured hope of a far better life—declared to us in the gospel.

John Knox,
Grace From Heaven

 

We give you thanks, our God and Savior, and to you, O Christ, in our own feeble way. You are the supreme providence of the mighty Father, who both saves us from evil and teaches us in the way of truth. I say these things not to praise, but simply to give thanks. Who among us is worthy to give you praise? You called creation into being from nothing. You illuminated it with your light. You regulated the confusion of the elements by your laws of harmony and order.

More than that, we recognize your lovingkindness. You caused those whose hearts inclined toward you to sincerely seek a divine and blessed life. You’ve allowed us to pass along what we’ve received from you, like merchants of wisdom and true blessings. 

We reap the everlasting fruit of your goodness. Freed from the net of sin, and permeated with a love for others, mercy is always our point of view.

We hope of the promise of faith, and we are devoted to modest living—all the virtues we had once thrown aside, but are now restored by you whose generous care is over all.

Amen.

Eusebius of Caesarea

 

Giver of all, another day is ended and I take my place beneath my great redeemer’s cross, where healing streams continually descend, where balm is poured into every wound, where I wash anew in the all-cleansing blood, assured that Thou seest in me no spots of sin.

Yet a little while and I shall go to Thy home and be no more seen; help me to gird up the loins of my mind, to quicken my step, to speed as if each moment were my last, that my life be joy, my death glory.

I thank Thee for the temporal blessings of this world—the refreshing air, the light of the sun, the food that renews strength, the raiment that clothes, the dwelling that shelters, the sleep that gives rest, the starry canopy of night, the summer breeze, the flowers’ sweetness, the music of flowing streams, the happy endearments of family, kindred, friends. Things animate, things inanimate, minister to my comfort. My cup runs over.

Unknown,
Valley of Vision