Praying that I Will Give Thanks

I will give thanks to you, O Lord, for you are… 

Our maker 

“Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his” (Psalm 100:3). 

God took such care in creating you—ordaining each of your days and intricately knitting you together in your mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-16). Give thanks for the man and woman he brought together to give you life. Thank him not only for making you but for making you his. 

Our shepherd 

“We are his people, the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100:3). 

Jesus is a good Shepherd. Thank him for calling you by name and for willingly laying down his life for you, his sheep. Reflect on how he has led you, protected you, restored you, and comforted you throughout your life—sometimes by way of your mother and father—and give thanks. 

Good 

“For the Lord is good” (Psalm 100:5). 

We have a good Father who gives us good gifts. Bless him for generously pouring out his grace and mercy on you through his son, Jesus Christ. Thank him for blessing you with adoption, redemption, forgiveness, and a guaranteed inheritance. In addition to these spiritual blessings, express your gratitude for the good gifts he has given you by the hands of your parents as well; thank him for a few specifically. 

Steadfast in love 

“His love endures forever” (Psalm 100:5). 

When human love waivers, God’s love endures. Thank him for loving you so much that he has called you his child and for promising never to let anyone snatch you out of his hand (John 10 v 29). 

Faithful 

“His faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5). 

The Lord has been faithful to your parents’ generation, he is faithful to your generation, and he will continue to be faithful to future generations. Thanks be to God! Take a moment to recall specific instances of God’s faithfulness toward you and your family. Then as the psalmist writes, “Shout for joy to the Lord … Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:1-2).