Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving!
I have to say that, of course, and the purpose of the Worship Companion this week is to help you actually enter into giving thanks to God. Below, you’ll find some of the usual resources, like questions from the sermon and artwork to ponder, but also a few tips and exercises to practice thankfulness with each other this weekend.
Miracle of the Loaves - Diocese of Covington
Perhaps you aren’t feeling thankful, or you aren’t sure what to be thankful for. Here are 10 truthes to remember as you practice of thankfulness this weekend. Pray though this list. Simply read the point, meditate on it, think of an example in your life, and give God thanks. Read the whole article here: 10 Ways to Practice Thankfulness - Jesus Film Project
Trust that God keeps His promises
Thanksgiving is the gateway to praise
Look back on the Lord's faithfulness
Choose thankfulness first
Remember, His victory is ours
Put thanksgiving at the center of community
Build your future on thanksgiving
Receive what God has given with thankfulness
Be thankful for God's unshakable kingdom
Lean into your trials
Being thankful, even when it's hard
Here are some prayer prompts to get you and your family focsed on God’s provision throughout the past year:
Prayer prompts
God gives us the ability to learn new things. Thank Him for something you enjoyed learning this year.
The Lord gave us times of rest and relaxation this year. Thank Him for a special memory from a vacation, or special day of fun.
Even when we faced some difficult things this year, the Lord was with us. Thank Him for something that lead / is leading you to trust Him more.
God blesses us with surprises. Thank Him for something new and exciting that happened this year.
God has blessed us with a beautiful world. Thank Him for a place that’s special to you – whether you made it there this year or not.
God gives us the gift of progress. Thank Him for something that makes life easier than it was 100 years ago.
God gives us the gift of friendship. Thank Him for a new friend you made this past year.
God gives us the gift of laughter. Thank Him for something funny that happened recently.
God satisfies us with good things. Thank Him for a goal or dream you realized this year.
God gives us the gift of creativity. Thank Him for something you made, or an event you organized, that turned out well.
Close your time of prayer with Thanksgiving for the gift of forgiveness through Jesus, and the gift of His presence with us, through the Holy Spirit.
Read more from Focus on The Family Here: Looking forward to Thanksgiving: Six ideas for family fun - Focus on the Family Canada
Maybe you’re feeling crafty
and want to try a Thankfulness tree like the one above? Give it a go! Here’s what you need: (Read the whole article here: 15 Thanksgiving Gratitude Activities for Families
Branches or twigs (from your yard or a craft store)
A sturdy vase or container
Colorful construction paper or cardstock
Scissors
String or ribbon
Markers or pens
Optional: Hole punch for easy hanging
Questions to Ponder:
Thanksgiving is __________________ of our praise.
Have a look at Psalm 111 1-12: What kinds of things can we be thankful for?
What does “celebrate” mean in the life of the Christian? i.e. Celebrate communion.
Celebration of the past is also a _____________________________. What does this mean?
Read Psalm 66 1-12. List together what practices, phrases, and actions are part of the people’s praise and thanks to God.
Every Thanksgiving we can give thanks ________________. What might this mean based on Psalm 66?
Answers: 1 - “The fabric”, 4 - “preview of the future”, 6 - “in advance”