Would you know who is the greatest saint in the world; It is not he who prays most or fasts most, it is not he who gives most…or is most eminent for temperance, chastity or justice; but it is he who is always thankful to God, who wills everything that God wills, who receives everything as an instance of God’s goodness and has a heart always ready to praise God for it.
William Law
Begin with Adoration
Today, let me invite you to use your five senses to praise God. What do you see, hear, smell, taste and touch—right now—that leads you to praise God, to acknowledge His mercy, lovingkindness, patience, power, justice, creativity, love, faithfulness?
Continue with Confession
Throughout this week, we are going to begin our confession with David’s prayer from Psalm 139. May this prayer become our own—a habit of the heart prayed day by day.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me, And lead me in the everlasting way.
King David, Psalm 139:23-24
As the Spirit brings any sin to mind, confess it as sin and turn from it (repent). Thank God that He forgives our sin and cleanses us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).
Now offer words of Thanksgiving
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Paul, 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
Paul’s exhortation here is not that we thank God for evil and harmful events—man-made or natural. It is rather, that in the midst of difficulties and even evil events, we can give thanks that God remains in control, all powerful, wholly good, just and loving in all His ways. We can give thanks that God is God, greater than any circumstance in life.
Let’s end this week of thanksgiving by giving thanks to God for the things that are difficult, the challenges, and the circumstances in our lives that we wish were different. For we know that He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and with God there is “no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17).
