Giving Thanks
by Reverend Dr. Peola C. Hicks

Thanksgiving is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. Though it may have become routine with the turkey, pumpkin pies and other good food, there is one thing that we should try to avoid becoming routine. You have probably guessed that I might be talking about the act of giving thanks, and if you did you were right. If we forget about giving thanks and say "oh well" I did that last year, then we could miss an opportunity to show our gratitude to someone that we really are thankful for. This year for thanksgiving, I have adopted the theme of gratitude. There are many people in my life that I am grateful for, people that have influenced my life for the better.

The apostle Paul understood this concept of gratitude. He asked a question in 1 Thessalonians 3:9 "How can we possibly thank God for all the happiness you have brought us?" He was grateful for all the happiness that he was receiving because of their strong faith. He thanked God for them having a direct influence on his life.

Just this morning I was rehearsing all of the goodness that people have shown to me, and actually it brought tears to my eyes. When people pour into your life (even if they are family) you may think that it is something that they have to do, but actually no one really has to. I want to continually pray for those people in my life and I want them to remain healthy and of a sound and steady mind. I want them to prosper and be of good success. That is how I pray for the people that I am grateful for.

At OurPrayer we love giving people the opportunity to pray for their family and friends, especially during the holidays. Thanksgiving is one such time that we set aside a day to do nothing but join in with others to give thanks and show our appreciation and gratitude.

Here is just a little reminder that GRATITUDE is a act that not only blesses you, but also blesses others.

G – Thank God for those who have influenced your life

R – Reach out to show that you care

A – An act of kindness goes a long way

T – Trust God to always keep positive people in your life

I - Invite others to share in your joy

T – Today is an appropriate time

U – Use every opportunity let people know that they have made a difference in your life

D- Don’t procrastinate

E- Every day is a day of thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving.