Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
As you enjoy your Thanksgiving Holiday, we pray that you would take some time to use this devotion to remember what this holiday is truly about; Thanking God for everything with which He has blessed you and your family.
This writing from Paul reminds us about 3 actions that we are to do, rejoice, pray, and give thanks. As you think about those 3 actions, take some time with those that you are gathered with, and use this devotion to share how God is working and blessing you this Thanksgiving season.
Rejoice
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4
Paul reminds us here that we are to rejoice always. This is not something new for Paul, as he also wrote our verse from 1 Thessalonians. Paul was even imprisoned when he wrote this letter, but was still rejoicing! While we may have troubles in this world, we can always find something worth rejoicing over in our lives.
Go around to a few people at your gathering and ask this question: In one word, what are you rejoicing about this Thanksgiving?
Pray
“And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.”
1 John 5:14
John reminds us that we can have confidence as we go before our God, knowing that He hears us. Not only do we have the opportunity to pray, but God calls us to pray to him as our Father, and to go to Him with everything in prayer and petition. We can go to our gracious Heavenly Father about anything, anywhere, and anytime.
Take some time, and ask this question: What are you praying for this Thanksgiving?
Give Thanks
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1
Maybe you use this as a prayer after your meal for Thanksgiving, as a prayer that reminds us of the goodness of God. The Lord is indeed good. He has blessed us abundantly and sufficiently for all that we need in this world. His love for us never ends, and is shown in Him sending Jesus for us. That is something for which we are extremely thankful.
As you end your time of devotion take a few minutes, as time permits, to ask: Who else would you like to say thank you to this Thanksgiving?
Prayer
Let us pray: Gracious God, we give you thanks not just on Thanksgiving, but everyday. You are so good to us, and you have blessed us with so many great things. We thank You for everything that You have blessed us with, and ask that You would always remind us of your goodness and mercy. Amen.
Dessert question:
How have you seen God working in your life?