Yesterday as I was reading and praying through Gerritt's Blessing book I was struck by the passage from John's gospel that calls us to understand that we are connected to one another and to God through Christ. What a wonderful thing for which to be profoundly thankful! And here we are on the eve of Thanksgiving, having journeyed through a season of reflecting on blessings and seeking to be people who bless others. The Scriptures have so much to say about giving thanks that it is hard to pinpoint any one passage but a couple come to my mind often. First the one offered in Gerritt's book from Colossians: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” (Col 4:2 ESV) The theme of praying and giving thanks for those prayers as answered even before we see them answered is repeated many times in God's Word. And it is certainly echoed strongly in Philippians, where Paul exhorts us, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Phi 4:6 ESV)
Today's readings remind us to turn to what truly blesses and feeds us. Not the food or drink of this earth but the word of God and the gift that God has given us in allowing us to praise Him: To shout aloud His holy name!
Praise the LORD! Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens!
Praise him for his mighty deeds; praise him according to his excellent greatness!
Praise him with trumpet sound; praise him with lute and harp!
Praise him with tambourine and dance; praise him with strings and pipe!
Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
(Psa 150:1-6 ESV)
These passages come to my mind when I pray with earnestness and not just fussing. Because I do know that God always answers prayers and that His answers are always the right answers and therefore worthy of being praised and for giving thanks. Today I want to thank Gerritt for his wonderful book which has blessed my over the last weeks and I also want to thank my wife, Lee, and my son, EJ, for loving me, in spite of me. I also want to thank the congregation I serve, my time as your rector, has a been a blessing in so many ways. I also want to thank Baton Rouge, I love this community and always will. Most of all, today, I want to thank Jesus. Who not only loves me, in spite of me, but who saved me who walks with me even when I try not to walk with Him. You have never forsaken me, Lord. And I know you never will. Thank you and PRAISE YOU Lord Jesus!
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