Give Thanks - Praying with the Church

Most people can find some things to be thankful for in prayer, and that is a good start. Praying with the Church through the ages can focus our eyes in new areas. This prayer comes from The Worship Sourcebook, and it focuses on the mighty acts of God in creation, providence, and salvation as bases for thanksgiving. I like that it also calls us to not merely give thanks, but also to respond with our lives.

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Almighty God, Father of all mercies,

we, your unworthy servants, give you humble thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness
to us and to all whom you have made.
We bless you for our creation, preservation,
and all the blessings of this life,
but above all for your immeasurable love
in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ,
for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies
that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise,
not only with our lips, but in our lives,
by giving up our selves to your service,
and by walking before you
in holiness and righteousness all our days,
through Jesus Christ, our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit,
be honor and glory throughout all ages.
Amen.