November 23, 2008

Thanksgiving

1 Thesssalonians 5: 16-18

"Be joyful always.  Pray without ceasing. 

Give praise and thanksgiving

IN all circumstances,

for this IS God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

*** 

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessings.

He hastens and chastens his will to make known.

The wicked oppressions; cease them from distressing.

Sing praises to his name, he forgets not his own.

***

Come ye thankful people come.

Raise the song of harvest home.

All are safely gathered in, err the winter storms begin.

God, our maker, doth provide for our wants to be supplied;

Come to God's own temple come, raise the song of harvest home.

***

 Let Us Pray

God, we are humbled by your love for us.  Thank you, Jesus, for loving us so much.  Holy Spirit, thank you for showing us each and everyday how to live and how to love.  Help us to know you all are always there.  

Thank you, God, for our families, good and bad.  May we rise above any discords to know who you, God, really are and can be to all of us. 

Help us to worship and obey you.

Help us to give thanks IN ALL circumstances, situations, things and FOR all.

And to forgive as you forgive us.

May we love you fully.

Amen

Help us to pray this prayer from our heart:

Our Father, you are in heaven.

Hallowed is your name.

May your kingdom come (into us).

May your will be done (in our lives).

On earth, as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread (...who is Jesus).

And (please) forgive us our sins.

As we (so attempt to) forgive those who have sinned against us.

And (please) lead us not into temptation, 

But deliver us from evil (thank you!).

For you are the kingdom (may you be this in us),

And the power,

And the glory.

Forever.

Amen !      

***

Definition of a Christian:  Anyone who believes in God, Jesus and Holy Spirit, and accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior.  Regardless of church name or religious affiliation.  

***