Dear CPC Flock,

The Scriptures are full of reasons for why we are to give thanks. Ps. 9:1—I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. We are to give thanks for everything from creation to Christ. Ps. 107:1—Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! We are to give thanks for his unending affection and commitment that never changes. 2 Cor. 9:15—give thanks for his inexpressible gift. We give thanks to the Father for blessing us with his Son. 1 Cor. 15:57—But thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks for Christ’s work to rescue us from Satan, sin, and death.

But sometimes we need help to express our thanksgiving. We can often find ourselves at a loss for words, or our hard circumstances silence us, or our hearts are cold, so that we express little gratitude. Let this prayer aid you in giving thanks to God.

Oh my God … Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects, my heart admires, adores, loves thee, for my little vessel is as full as it can be, and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow.

When I think upon and converse with thee ten thousand delightful thoughts spring up, ten thousand sources of pleasure are unsealed, ten thousand refreshing joys spread over my heart, crowding into every moment of happiness.

I bless thee for the soul thou hast created, for adorning it, sanctifying it, though it is fixed in barren soil; for the body thou has given me, for the preserving its strength and vigor, for providing senses to enjoy delights, for the ease and freedom of my limbs, for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding; for thy royal bounty providing my daily support, for a full table and overflowing cup, for appetite, taste, sweetness, for social joys of relatives and friends, for ability to serve others, for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities, for a mind to care for my fellow men, for opportunities of spreading happiness around, for loved ones in the joys of heaven, for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.

I love thee above the powers of language to express, for what thou arts to thy creatures. Increase my love, Oh my God, through time and eternity. (Valley of Vision, Praise and Thanksgiving, 26-27)

—Pastor Clif