Called To Worship

Biblical reflections and resources for thoughtful worshipers and worship leaders

Gratefulness Leads to Life

Are you a thankful person? When you say thanks to God or people, is it a duty or a joy? In today’s reading we learn that cultivating gratefulness in our hearts leads to life.

Gratefulness Leads to LifeScripture: Psalm 136:1-3
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of gods.
His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords:
His love endures forever.

Gratefulness Leads to Life

Have you ever seen an older person who constantly nags and criticizes? Contrast that to someone who is always appreciative and expressing gratitude. Which person is more likely to smile at you? Which one do you find yourself drawn to engage in conversation? Which one feels more reliable? Which one is more healthy looking?

There are dozens of modern research studies demonstrating the benefits and power of gratefulness (* see footnote for samples). But this should be no surprise to us as Christians. Thankfulness is a dominant theme in the Psalms. Psalm 136 makes a strong connection between thanksgiving and remembering (a topic for another day).

You could call Paul the Apostle of Thanksgiving for how often he gives thanks in his writing. He incessantly gives thanks (1 Thess 2:13), gives thanks for the saints (1 Cor 1:4), give thanks for liberty, providence, and victory (1 Cor 15:57), and he teaches us to give thanks in everything (1 Thess 5:18) and for all things (Eph. 5:20). The list could go on…

[clickToTweet tweet=”Why is thanksgiving such a big deal? Thankfulness reinforces an abundance mentality.” quote=”Why is thanksgiving such a big deal? It reminds us that we are not alone. Thankfulness reinforces an abundance mentality, instead of hoarding. “] Gratefulness frames the way we see people around us and the circumstances of our lives. If everything is a gift from God, then during times of plenty and times of want, we should embrace all things as Job did and respond to calamity like he did. “The Lord gave and the Lord took away. May the name of the Lord be praised.” (Job 1.21)

Why do we struggle with gratefulness? Simple. We want to be in charge and take credit for what happens in our lives. Gratefulness means we have to acknowledge the blessing and gifts of others in our lives. Especially God.

Ungrateful people have short memories for blessings and long memories for pain. Just ask someone you know who is constantly critical about the blessings in their lives and then ask them to tell you about someone who hurt them. I’d wager that the conversation will dwell on the second question for hours and the first will lead to silence very quickly.

The good news is that gratefulness can be cultivated rapidly. Make a thanksgiving prayer book and as you start your day write down at least 5 things for which you’re thankful. Do this every day for 30 days and watch what happens in your heart and life.

I dare you.

As you prepare to pray, listen to this song from Sovereign Grace Music called Jesus, Thank You.

Prayers for today

Self: Teach me to be thankful. Protect me from spiritual amnesia where I forget the blessings you have poured on me in this life and the next. I am grateful for these people (name 5). I thank you for saving me by grace and for your daily reminders of my freedom and future in Christ.

Family: Help me to teach my family to be grateful for what we have. I pray we would be characterized by gratefulness and contentment in what you’ve given. I thank you today for my spouse, my kids, my parents, my siblings, and even my irritable relatives (name them now).

Work: I am grateful for the work you provide and the ability to work. I am especially thankful for the following people (take time to name a few co-workers). Help me be genuinely thankful toward vendors, suppliers, peers, partners, employees, and everyone I encounter today.

Church: Lord, I am thankful for my pastor(s) and ask you to protect (use first name(s)) and cultivate their hearts to be thankful for the gifts you’ve given and the blessings in our church. Create in our leadership and church a spirit of thankfulness in seasons of plenty and want. May we never tire of giving you thanks for the benefits of the Gospel.

Community: I am thankful for my neighbors (name a few). Help me to show gratitude toward those who work in the stores, gyms, and places I visit today and this week.

World: Lord, create in our country a spirit of thanksgiving throughout the year. Strengthen our memory and may we show unceasing gratefulness toward those who went before us and showed us favor during times of need. Help us find ways to give to others in their time of calamity and need.

I pray these things in Jesus’ name. Amen

Articles

*Here are a few studies and articles in recent publications:

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