Prayer of Thanksgiving

November 20, 2023 | Jake Harp

As we enter into a season often overtaken by consumerism, let us rebel against what John calls “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16) by praying prayers of thanksgiving.

For this particular prayer of thanksgiving, start with the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer of Jesus has a way of centering ourselves on who God is and what really matters in life. Read through each line slowly and deliberately, communicating to God the words that he taught us to pray. Feel the freedom to add additional dialogue to the conversation as you talk to God.

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
- Matthew 6:9-13

Next, focus on this line in the prayer: “Give us today our daily bread.” Ask God what this means for you in this season of your life. Some questions to ponder and take to him: Have I violated his intention of provision through my excesses, while others go without their daily needs being met? Has my pride convinced me that I don’t need God’s provision every day (I can take care of myself, after all)? Am I seeking his will to be done on earth with regard to how I buy gifts, snag deals, and purchase things I don’t need?

Then listen for a response.

Finally, take some time to thank God for who he is, what he has done, and all that he has provided you. Spend some time in quiet reflection on your upcoming week: the people you plan to see, the meals you plan to eat, the activities you plan to do, and the things you plan to buy. Submit these to God, and let him speak into your life to create a heart of thanksgiving. When he speaks, obey.

Jake Harp

Jake is a native of Illinois where he first learned about ministry by watching his dad work in the church. He has earned degrees from Missouri Southern State University and Lincoln Christian University. Prior to starting at Venture during the summer of 2022, he served as a Small Groups Minister in Southwestern Missouri. While in Missouri, he and his wife began growing their family and moved to Hamilton County with three kids and one on the way. Jake also has a love for ax throwing which caused him to open up his own mobile ax-throwing business.