Why do we set aside one day a year to be intentionally thankful? It comes around every year – Thanksgiving of course – a day we see more as another day off from work or a time to gorge on a feast (or two or three).  Sure, we may go around the dinner table and say what we’re thankful for, but why should it stop there?

When I was on my PEACE trip to the Dominican Republic, one of our team members gave us each a copy of Jesus Calling by Sarah Young. It’s a daily devotional that is written to us as if authored by Jesus Himself. [Sidebar, I can’t recommend this devotional enough.] Over the last several days, the theme has been focused on being thankful so I will share a passage from November 25th:

"Thank me frequently as you journey through today. This practice makes it possible to pray without ceasing, as the apostle Paul taught. If you are serious about learning to pray continually, the best approach is to thank Me in every situation. These thankful prayers provide a solid foundation on which you can build all your other prayers. Moreover, a grateful attitude makes it easier for you to communicate with Me."

"When your mind is occupied with thanking Me, you have no time for worrying or complaining. If you practice thankfulness consistently, negative patterns will gradually grow weaker and weaker. Draw near to Me with a grateful heart, and My Presence will fill you with Joy and Peace."

“Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” -- 1 Thessalonians 5:1