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In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus, concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Our prayer focus for November is thankfulness. Gratitude takes conscious effort. For most of us, the default mode is noticing what’s wrong. We see things that need to be fixed, problems that need to be resolved. Let’s pause amid all that “solving” and focus on the things we are thankful for.

And there are so many things! Some are obvious – the beautiful world God created. The many gifts God has given us. The people who fill our lives. Salvation in Christ. Prayers answered. Ready access to God’s word.

Others are less readily apparent – Times he has lead us into and through difficulties. Prayers not answered the way we wanted. His presence amid problems that are not yet resolved. For the hope we have in Christ.

Recently we sang Matt Redman’s worship song “Bless the LORD Oh My Soul (10,000 Reasons)”. One of the verses includes the lyrics “For all Your goodness I will keep on singing, 10,000 reasons for my heart to find.” It may be out of reach for us to find 10,000 reasons in just a month – but perhaps we can find 100 – or even 1,000.

We’re clearing off the prayer bulletin board in the Welcome Center and providing sticky notes and note cards and tacks so we can share what we are thankful for.

Perhaps your contribution is profound – a healing, a friend coming to Jesus, a picture of a loved one. Perhaps it’s a small treasure –the softness of a kitten’s fur, the taste of coffee. Flowers. Hymns. Laughter. Tears.

We give God glory when we share our thanks with Him and with each other. Let’s fill the bulletin board to overflowing!

Psalm 69:30 – I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving.

Psalm 9:1– I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.

Psalm 92:1 – It is good to give thanks to the LORD, to sing praises to your name, O Most High

Psalm 35:18 – I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you.