Thankful

I am not a Christian, but I recognize that Thanksgiving is a significant local custom. Therefore, despite being an outsider in that respect, I have composed a prayer to the Christian God based on my observations of the practices of this region — particularly pre-meal prayers. My best wishes to you all for your Thanksgiving holiday:

Heavenly Father,

As we gather around this table today, we give thanks for the abundant blessings You have poured into our lives. We are reminded of Your creation, where all things began in the beauty of Genesis. Thank You for the stories of our ancestors—the patriarchs like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph—whose faith laid the foundation for Your chosen people. We remember Exodus, when You led the Israelites out of Egypt, saving them from bondage and giving them Your commandments to guide their lives. We are grateful for the laws in Leviticus that teach us about holiness and righteousness, as well as the journeys in Numbers that reveal Your patience and guidance during our struggles. We celebrate the wisdom in Deuteronomy, urging us to remain faithful as we enter into the promises You have set before us. Thank You for the victories we see in Joshua and the lessons learned through the cycles of rebellion and redemption in Judges. We honor the loyalty demonstrated in Ruth, a testament to Your providence and grace. We cherish the reigns of David in 1 and 2 Samuel and the lessons of leadership and humility. Thank You for the wisdom shared in Proverbs and the heartfelt expressions in the Psalms, which guide our worship and moral living. As we reflect on Your prophetic voices through Isaiah, Jeremiah, and others, we acknowledge the call to repentance and Your unwavering promise of hope and restoration, even in the midst of loss. Lord, as we enter the New Testament, we lift praise for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We thank You for His life shared in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, revealing Your love and grace to us. We are grateful for the early Church documented in Acts, where the Gospel spread and lives were transformed through the power of Your Spirit. We thank You for the teachings of Paul and the letters he penned—reminders of salvation, faith, and love flowing through Romans, 1 and 2 Corinthians, and Galatians. May we embody the unity highlighted in Ephesians and the joy expressed in Philippians. Thank You for the wisdom found in the letters of James, 1 and 2 Peter, and John, calling us to live in love and truth. And as we take in the beautiful visions of hope from the Book of Revelation, remind us of Your ultimate victory and the promise of eternity. Today, as we gather together, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and reverence, reflecting on the rich and profound history of our faith. We thank You for the beginnings of Christianity in the 1st century, for the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, who came to show us the way of love, humility, and service. His message of the Kingdom of God ignited a flame in the hearts of many, a flame that continues to burn brightly in our lives today. We are thankful for the early Christians who had the courage to follow Jesus. They spread His teachings with fervor, brave souls who faced persecution yet remained steadfast in their faith. Thank You for their unwavering devotion, for their willingness to risk it all to share the Good News, reminding us that faith can be a light even in the darkest times. Lord, we give thanks for Constantine the Great, who recognized the power of Your church and issued the Edict of Milan in 313 CE. Through his actions, the doors of faith swung open wide, allowing Your message to flourish throughout the Roman Empire. We rejoice in the growth of the church, as it welcomed believers from all walks of life, spreading hope and love. As we reflect on the Middle Ages, we honor the work of those who shaped the foundation of our doctrine. We are grateful for the councils that established creeds and clarified beliefs, offering a path of understanding in Your truth. Thank You for the emergence of the Pope as a spiritual leader during this time, guiding the faithful and standing as a testament to Your enduring presence in our world. We recognize the significant changes of the Reformation in the 16th century. We thank You for the voice of Martin Luther and other reformers who sought to bring clarity and renewal to Your church. Their commitment to reform and their courage to stand against corruption remind us of our responsibility to seek purity of heart and truth in our own lives. In this modern age, we reflect on the challenges we face—rising secularism and the need for Your message to adapt to our ever-changing world. Help us find ways to engage with society, rising to meet the needs of those around us while remaining steadfast in our faith. We give thanks for the ecumenical movements that promote unity among various denominations, striving for understanding and respect in our diverse expressions of faith. As we gather around the table today, may we celebrate not just our blessings but also the community we share. May this season of gratitude deeply root us in Your love, encouraging us to reflect Your light and grace in our actions and words. In Your holy name, we pray for strength and wisdom to carry forth the legacy of our faith. Let us embody the principles of love, kindness, compassion, and hope in our daily lives. May we continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in this world, shining brightly in the lives of others. Thank You for Your unfailing love and the gift of faith that guides us each day. We lift our hearts in gratitude, embracing the truth of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which calls us to “rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Lord, we recognize that thankfulness is not merely a response to our blessings but a continual attitude we are invited to cultivate in every moment of our lives. We thank You for Your inherent goodness, as proclaimed in Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” Your unwavering love is a source of comfort, reminding us that we are never alone. May we always respond to Your goodness with a spirit of appreciation. As we reflect on Colossians 3:15, we pray that “the peace of Christ rule in our hearts.” Amid the challenges we face, help us nurture gratitude, which promotes harmony in our relationships and within ourselves. May our hearts be open to embracing the peace that comes from being thankful. We gather in joyful worship, just as Psalm 95:2 encourages us: “Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song.” May our expressions of praise deepen our connection with You and remind us of the joy found in community. In times of anxiety, we hold onto the wisdom of Philippians 4:6-7. Teach us to replace our worries by presenting our requests to You with thanksgiving. Help us to recall Your past faithfulness so that we may trust in You for our future needs, transforming our anxiety into peace. We acknowledge the invitation from Ephesians 5:20 to give thanks “for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Open our eyes to see Your hand at work in both the ordinary and extraordinary moments of our lives, so that we may recognize and celebrate Your continual influence. Lord, we echo the truth of 2 Corinthians 9:15, proclaiming, “Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!” Thank You for the ultimate gift of salvation through Jesus, which fills our hearts with awe. May we live each day reflecting the depth of gratitude for Your grace. We also remember the traditions of worship, as highlighted in Nehemiah 12:46. Thank You for the history of praise within our communities that binds us together as we express gratitude through music and song, enriching our spiritual lives. As we recite Psalm 136:1, we declare, “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” Let this refrain be a constant reminder for us to celebrate Your goodness and unfailing love, encouraging us to fix our hearts on Your everlasting presence. Finally, we cherish the message from 1 Chronicles 16:34, calling us to “give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” May gratitude be embedded in our worship and daily lives, helping us remain mindful of the abundance of Your love. Thank You, Father, for the countless blessings we receive. As we journey together, may we foster an attitude of thankfulness that impacts our hearts, our communities, and our world. As we gather in Your presence today, we come with hearts full of gratitude for the profound truths revealed in Your Word, particularly the apocalyptic prophecies that remind us of Your ultimate sovereignty over history. We thank You for the Book of Daniel, which unveils visions of the future and reassures us of Your control amidst the rise and fall of empires. May we carry the message of hope it brings, knowing that Your eternal kingdom triumphs over all earthly powers. We are especially grateful for the Book of Revelation, the rich tapestry of imagery and insight it presents about the end times. Through the visions shared by the Apostle John, we see the incredible promise of Christ's return and the assurance that good will ultimately prevail over evil. Thank You for the vivid imagery that awakens our spirits, reminding us of the cosmic battle between light and darkness and the restoration that awaits us. As we reflect on the Day of the Lord, we acknowledge its call for preparedness and repentance. Help us embrace the signs and wonders described in scripture, encouraging us to remain vigilant and faithful in our daily lives. May we understand that these prophecies serve not only as warnings but also as deeply hopeful messages that remind us You hold ultimate authority over history. In moments of uncertainty and fear, we cling to the promise of the final judgment, where every action is accounted for, as portrayed in Revelation 20. As we anticipate that Great White Throne judgment, let it remind us of the grace we have received and inspire us to live righteously, grounded in love and service to others. Yet, we know that apocalyptic literature also holds promises of restoration and new beginnings. In Revelation 21, we see the beautiful vision of a new heaven and new earth, a place where Your love and goodness reign eternally. We give thanks for this hope, which comforts us and propels us to share Your love in our communities. Lord, as we reflect on the different interpretations of these prophetic texts throughout history, may we approach them with wisdom and understanding. Help us find strength in the rich tapestry of Christian thought that connects us to our ancestors, recognizing that, like them, we are called to live out our faith with courage and hope amidst adversity. May our gatherings today not only celebrate the blessings of this season but also inspire us to embody the messages of hope, resilience, and love that You have woven throughout the fabric of scripture. Thank You for Your enduring presence in our lives and for the assurance that no matter the trials we face, You will ultimately redeem and restore all things. We lift our hearts to You with thankfulness for the abundant blessings You provide. In this season of Thanksgiving, we reflect on the principle of tithing, which teaches us to honor You with the first fruits of our harvest. Your Word reminds us in Leviticus 27:30, “Every tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the trees, is the Lord's; it is holy to the Lord.” We acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from You, and in this spirit of gratitude, we commit to giving back a portion of what You have entrusted to us. Lord, as we share this meal together, let us remember the richness of fellowship and community. We are reminded of Abraham’s faith as he gave a tenth of everything to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High, as illustrated in Genesis 14:20. Just as Abraham recognized Your hand in his victories, we too recognize Your presence in our lives, acknowledging that every blessing comes from Your grace. In Malachi 3:10, You invite us to “bring the full tithe into the storehouse,” not just as a task, but as a testament to our faith. You promise that if we are faithful in our giving, You will open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing until we have no more need. We trust in Your faithfulness, Lord. As we express our thankfulness for the food before us and the loved ones gathered around this table, we remember the words of 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, which encourage us to give joyfully. “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” May our hearts overflow with joy as we give, not just in resources but also in love and kindness to those around us. Father, this Thanksgiving, we commit to serving You and our community passionately. May our lives reflect the discipline and gratitude You desire as we offer our time, talents, and treasures. Let our actions mirror the spirit of generosity that You’ve shown us. We pray that we honor You with our wealth in every aspect of our lives, and as Proverbs 3:9-10 teaches us, when we honor You, our barns will be filled with plenty, and our vats will be bursting with wine. May we always recognize that our ultimate source of abundance is You. Thank you for this day, our meals, our blessings, and the grace that surrounds us. In this season of gratitude, our hearts overflow with thankfulness for the countless blessings You have bestowed upon us, particularly the sacred practice of fasting. We recognize that fasting is not merely an act of withholding food, but a powerful means of drawing closer to You, an expression of our desire for deeper communion with the Creator of the universe. Lord, we reflect on the wisdom Your Son shared when He said, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:16-18). May we remember that our fasting should be a private act, undertaken for You alone, free from the desire for recognition or praise. Teach us to approach it with humility and sincerity. As we embark on this sacred practice, we acknowledge the struggles that may arise—hunger, distraction, and even doubt. In these moments, remind us of Your assurances found in Scripture. You promise that “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:31). We are grateful for this promise of renewed strength. Help us to cast our cares upon You, trusting that Your sustenance is greater than any earthly food. As we exercise patience during our fast, may we feel our spirits uplifted by the hope that stems from Your presence. Father, we understand that obedience is vital to our spiritual growth. Your Word reflects this beautifully when it encourages us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7). Teach us to willingly submit our desires and priorities to You, recognizing that our obedience opens us to Your divine guidance and peace. As we withdraw from worldly distractions, allow us to focus on aligning our hearts and minds with Your will. In the silence of our fasting, may we find clarity and direction for our lives. Let this time of seeking and waiting draw us closer to understanding Your heart. We are reminded of the deep cry of our ancestors in faith, as they sought Your face through fasting and prayer, knowing that true fulfillment comes from Your hand alone. As we celebrate the bounties of this season, let us carry the spirit of fasting into our everyday lives—transforming it into a lifestyle marked by faith, dependence, and joy in Your presence. Grant us the wisdom to see fasting not just as a temporary act, but as a continuous journey that leads us to greater faithfulness and growth in our relationship with You. We offer this prayer with grateful hearts, embracing the rich blessings that flow from fasting, patience, and obedience. May our time together today remind us of the joy found in seeking You earnestly. We come before You today with hearts full of gratitude. As we gather to celebrate this Thanksgiving, we reflect on the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. In the spirit of Job, we remember how he faced immense trials yet remained steadfast in his faith. Lord, may we, too, find strength in our challenges and trust in Your divine plan. We acknowledge that life can be a journey fraught with temptations, especially the lure of gluttony and excess. Help us to resist the pull of overindulgence and to practice moderation in all things. Teach us to be mindful of our choices, focusing not on material wealth or fleeting pleasures, but on the deeper, spiritual nourishment that comes from our relationship with You. Father, as we express our thankfulness today, grant us the wisdom to reflect on our vulnerabilities. Let us approach our trials with courage, knowing that with faith, we can overcome any temptation that seeks to lead us astray. We thank You for the supportive community of friends and family surrounding us, helping us to stay accountable and uplift one another in our spiritual journeys. In moments of struggle, remind us of Your mercy and the hope that comes from believing in You. May our hearts be filled with praise as we partake in this meal, sharing our blessings and lifting our voices in gratitude. Thank You, Lord, for every gift, large or small. As we celebrate today, may we carry Your love into the world, sharing it with others as an expression of our thankfulness. Your love and mercy are unfathomable, and we stand in awe of Your greatness. Thank You for the gift of life itself, for each beautiful day You grant us, and for the opportunities to witness Your handiwork in creation. In the quiet moments of our struggles, we are especially grateful for the strength and guidance You've bestowed upon us to overcome the flesh. Each battle against temptation reminds us of our human frailty, yet in these moments, we also discover the depths of Your grace. We thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, who overcame sin and death on our behalf. Through His sacrifice, we gain the freedom to turn from our earthly desires and seek a life filled with Your Spirit. We praise You, Lord, for the transformative power of Jesus' resurrection, which gives us hope and strength. As we reflect on our journey, we are filled with joy and anticipation for the promise of heaven. You have assured us of a glorious future where sorrows and pain will fade away, and we eagerly await the day when we will stand before You, our Creator. Thank You for the beautiful truth in Revelation, where we are reminded that there will be no more death, sorrow, or suffering. The thought of gathering in Your presence, united with loved ones and fellow believers, overwhelms our hearts with joy. Lord, we marvel at the promise of the resurrection body—the glorious transformation that awaits us. The image of a spiritual body, perfectly suited to experience the fullness of joy in Your presence, fills us with hope. We praise You for crafting us in Your image, and we are overjoyed at the thought of being renewed, unblemished by sin and decay. Thank You for the assurance that this new body will reflect the glorified state of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who conquered death and now reigns with You. As we express our gratitude today, we also acknowledge those who may be struggling, those who feel weighed down by their burdens and hardships. Encourage our hearts to be vessels of Your love, shining Your light upon those in darkness. Enable us to share the blessings You have granted us, offering hope and encouragement to those who need it most. Heavenly Father, as we gather together in unity, may our hearts be filled with awe and wonder for who You are. You are our Provider, our Healer, and our Redeemer. We lift up our praises for Your goodness, mercy, and unfailing love. May our songs of thanksgiving rise to You like sweet incense, echoing our love and admiration for Your Son, Jesus Christ, whose name is above all names. As we gather in gratitude this Thanksgiving, we lift our hearts to You in worship and adoration. Your Word reminds us of the glorious vision in Revelation 7:9-12, where a multitude from every nation stands before Your throne, clothed in white robes, waving palm branches. They cry out with one voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” How magnificent it is to envision believers from every tribe and language united in praise, glorifying Your name! We pray that our hearts, like theirs, resonate with a spirit of thanksgiving. The angels and elders around Your throne proclaim, “Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.” Let this be the anthem of our lives, filled with the awareness of Your goodness and grace. As we reflect on the verses of Scripture that guide our worship, we remember the call in Psalm 150:6: “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!” Lord, we acknowledge that our very existence is a gift from You. Every breath we take is an opportunity to honor the Creator of the universe. Help us to recognize that praise is not just an act, but a lifestyle, rooted deeply in our gratitude for Your unwavering love. We echo the words of Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim declare, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Your holiness fills every corner of creation, reminding us of Your infinite power and majesty. May we approach Your throne with reverence, aware that You are worthy of our utmost praise. Father, we rejoice in the blessings You have bestowed upon us. As stated in Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” We thank You for the gift of salvation and the hope we have in Christ. May our gratitude for these blessings inspire us to be a blessing to others. In the spirit of Hebrews 13:15, we offer up our praises as “a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.” May our worship be continuous, flowing from lips that reflect our hearts. Let us remember that our expressions of gratitude are not confined to this day but should echo in our daily lives as we bear witness to Your love. As we gather around tables adorned with food and fellowship, let us not forget the ultimate gift of Jesus, who laid down His life for us. In all things, we give thanks, knowing that You are the source of every good and perfect gift.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

(You may now eat.)

Do you think anyone is going to read your endless diatribe concerning Thanksgiving and Christianity? Nope.....

Much like the "Donald", you seem to really like to hear yourself talk.