It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night.
Psalm 92:1&2 (ESV)
A friend loaned me a book entitled, At Home in Mitford, written by American author Jan Karon—book one of The Mitford Years series. This charming novel is the story of Father Tim, the rector of Lord’s Chapel in Mitford, North Carolina, and the characters that live there who enhance the priest’s life throughout the year, bringing him great joy and happiness.
In the unfolding story, Father Tim is at a crossroads in his life, unsure if he will be able to continue as rector of Lord’s Chapel. Miss Sadie Baxter, the 86-year-old cornerstone of Lord’s Chapel, donates a painting of questionable origin to the church, and follows that gift with a five-million-dollar gift to the town. Father Tim visits Miss Sadie and offers a prayer over their lunch together—once again reminding himself why he entered the ministry in the first place. It is a prayer of profound thankfulness for the blessing of family and friends and a gentle reminder to remember and celebrate the great gifts bestowed on those who believe in Christ Jesus!
I have held on to this prayer long after returning the book because of the beautiful simplicity of the words and the depth of meaning they possess:
*Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise
for all that You’ve done for us.
We thank You for the blessing of family and friends,
and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side.
Above all, we give You thanks
for the great mercies and promises
given to us in Christ Jesus, our Lord,
in whose name we pray.
Amen!
I am thinking this simple prayer is a beautiful blessing to pray together in unison with family and friends over our Thanksgiving meal. Darryl and I are adding a new tradition to our celebration. Would you like to join us?