"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." (Colossians 3:15)

I love the traditional songs of Thanksgiving any time of the year. But with the American Thanksgiving just a few days away, I wanted to share one with you to stir your heart of thankfulness today.

It matters not whether you celebrate Thanksgiving Day where you live, what matters is the heart of the worshipper who hastens to make known God's manifest blessings to all who will hear. Take the time to read the words penned by men centuries ago and join in the celebration of thankfulness . . .

Now Thank We All our God

Based on Ecclesiastics 50:22-24 by Martin Rinkart (1586-1649)
Translated by Catherine Winkworth (1827-1878)

Now thank we all our God,
With heart and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things has done,
In whom this world rejoices;
Who from our mothers' arms
Has blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us still in grace,
And guide us when perplexed;
And free us from all ills,
In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given;
The Son, and him who reigns
With them in highest heaven;
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heaven adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.

Spend some time today thanking the Lord for His provision, His peace, grace, protection, and love. Thank Him for all His hands have done to make a way for us to be reconciled to Him through the shed blood of the Sacrifice Lamb. Thank Him for the ability to thank Him. He's worthy of all our praise!

Father, I am so grateful to You for life, for breath, and for the ability to live for You. I'm thankful for Your great salvation, for Your provision, for Your healing touch, for Your redemption, for Your grace, Your mercy, Your compassion, and Your love. There are no words to convey my heart as it swells with overwhelming praise because of Who You are, not just because of What You have done. I love You, Lord, and I offer You my heartfelt praise as I celebrate Your goodness in my "thanks-giving"! In Jesus' name, amen and amen!

"I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving." (Psalm 69:30)

© Jan Ross
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