A Thanksgiving Prayer

“Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” - Psalm 106:1

After all that has happened this past year, does celebrating Thanksgiving seem just a little off? Looking at all of what has happened in the past year, is there really much for which to be thankful? Has that question entered your mind this week?

I am reminded of the following excerpt by Abraham Lincoln:

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God…. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. … I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. 

Do you know when Lincoln wrote those words? It was right in the middle of the most terrible war this country has ever seen – the Civil War. Families were fighting each other. Food was scarce for some. You and I can’t even comprehend what life was like back then, so many died, so many hurt, so many in pain. And yet, Lincoln encouraged all to give thanks to the Almighty God!

Even though Thanksgiving will be a bit different this year, there is still so much for which to be thankful. Families that before were rushing here and there, have been blessed to grow closer to each other and get to know each other again without outside distractions. Many in our community helping others with food, with prayer, and showing why we are so blessed to live in this community of Door County. How blessed we are to live in this time where technology can still keep us connected to each other through Zoom, FaceTime, and more.

But greater than all this – God still blesses you with His gifts of forgiveness, life and salvation in Jesus. Because of Jesus, you have a heavenly home waiting for you. Because of Jesus, you have peace in your heart. Because of Jesus – you are thankful, yes even during this weird year of 2020. Because of Jesus, your Savior, you can pray with the Psalmist – “Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 106:1)

May that prayer be on your lips this week as you celebrate a truly blessed Thanksgiving!

En Cristo,

Pastor Joel Sauer - St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay



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