Thanksgiving and Prayer

Thanksgiving is a day when we get together with family and friends, eat some turkey along with all the other fixings, and watch some football at least until the tryptophan kicks in.  Most importantly however, it is a day in which we take a moment to slow down our hectic lives and reflect on the things for which we should be thankful.  It is also a great opportunity to reflect on things for which we should be praying.  Philippians 4:6 tells us to “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; (NKJV).  Therefore, let us take a few moments this Thanksgiving to pray for issues facing our nation and our world and things for which we should be thankful.

Hurricane Sandy may not have been as intense a storm as Hurricane Katrina but it hit a highly populated area of our country.  It also hit at high tide and collided with a winter cold front from the north.  This combination of circumstances resulted in a super storm or as some called it frankenstorm.  Many are homeless and without power this Thanksgiving season.  While many have cited the ineptitude of the government’s response to the needs of the victims of the storm, during this Thanksgiving season I want to express my gratitude to those who are helping victims by opening up their homes, providing food and warm clothing, and coming in from other states to help restore power. 

Many have also been laid off recently as companies grapple with how to survive when they have to comply with new regulations and higher taxes next year.  It seems government is not paying attention to the needs of these people and is currently considering raising taxes even higher in an attempt to reduce massive deficits.  However, I am thankful for charities and churches assisting these people by helping them with groceries, paying utility bills, or making their mortgage payments.

We also need to continue to pray for the people in Israel.  I have been to Israel and know that the citizens of Israel only want to live peacefully in the Land God granted them.  Unfortunately, Israel’s neighbors do not share their desire to live peacefully and want to kill as many innocent Jews as they can, believing they are making Allah happy.  Psalm 122:6 tells us to pray for the peace of Jerusalem and promises that those that do will prosper.  Please join me in praying for the peace of Jerusalem and be thankful that the “Iron Dome” in Israel has been able to stop most of the missiles aimed at the citizens of Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. 

Finally, join me in praying for our nation.  We have just gone through an extremely contentious election.  Citizens supporting the winning side are gloating while the losing side is frustrated, depressed, and angry.  I am among those on the losing side this election and have had to grapple with all of these feelings.  However, as time has passed since the election, I have come to understand that somehow the results of this election are part of God’s plan.  I may not understand why but by faith, I accept God’s will, understanding that God will take care of his people.  Romans 8:28 tells us.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

NLT

This promise only applies to those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  We can only understand God’s purpose for our lives by making Jesus Lord of our lives.  I am thankful that making Jesus Lord of my life only requires believing Jesus died, was buried, and arose from the dead (Romans 10:9-10) and that salvation is a free gift from God because God is a gracious God (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Maybe you are experiencing uncertainty over what will happen in the next few months as our nation faces many serious issues.  I invite you to pray to receive Jesus as Lord of your life so you can have peace knowing you will have God’s help.  Pray this prayer with me.

Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned and missed the mark.  I know you died for me, was buried, and rose from the dead.  I invite you to be Lord of my life. 

If you prayed that prayer, you are now a child of God and can depend on Him to be with you through these uncertain times.  I urge you to begin reading and studying the Bible and find a good church in your community where the Bible is taught and you can associate with other believers. 

We have much to pray about this Thanksgiving season so while enjoying time with your family and good food.  Take a moment to reflect on what we have to be thankful for and pray.