By Prayer and Petition with Thanksgiving #3
If you are just joining us for your Wednesday prayer time this month, we are focusing on thanksgiving because, well you know. Our scripture today may seem like an odd choice. You probably won’t see it framed with a pumpkin or fall leaves. But I think it’s an important reminder in this season and every season.
“Nor should there be any obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:4 NIV
In Paul’s appeal to the church in Ephesus, he challenges them to a new morality. Above and beyond simply keeping the law. A commentary puts it this way, “Instead of using his tongue for such unworthy and unbecoming talk, the Christian should deliberately cultivate the practice of expressing thanks to God for all the blessings and mercies of life. This is pleasing to the Lord, a good example to others, and beneficial to one’s own soul.”
Does this mean the believer should be somber and serious at all times? No!!! Joking has its place and I love to laugh more than anyone. It’s good for our health!
So here is my prayer of petition with Thanksgiving:
Replace the pronouns with the appropriate ones for the person (or yourself) that you are praying for.
I would love it if you would fill the comments this month with things for which you thank our Lord and Savior. Let’s flood this space with gratitude. And don’t forget to share this on your favorite social media platform using the icons below. Invite others to join in the thanksgiving. And if you don’t want to miss any of the party, subscribe using the form on the right hand side of this page.
Praying for you in this.
Lauren, this is always a timely verse. Especially with teens in the house who sometimes have . . . diverse words to share. 🙂
Let’s see,
*I’m thankful for a prolonged, beautiful, vibrant autumn
*An amazing, supportive husband who makes time for me to pursue my dreams and who is an amazing partner in our parenting journey
*Animals and the opps to photograph some I’ve never been close enough to in the past.
*Two sons who give me opportunities to pray, who stretch my understanding of faith, and who teach me so much about loving well
*God’s faithfulness and constant presence in the many difficult things our family has faced this year.
*A recent weekend away that was so refreshing . . . just what my spirit needed
I could go on, but I’ll stop there. 🙂
You can “go on” anytime in my space. When you give thanks, it encourages me so much. Thank you.
Lauren, the quote from the commentary is a powerful one to think on.
I am thankful for …
my husband who has a generous and helpful spirit towards so many
my family
my granddaughters who bring so much joy and love and LAUGHTER
my home which brings such comfort and peace
the faithfulness of God each and every day down through the years!
What a lovely list of gratitude, Joanne. Thank you so much for sharing with us.
We can learn from every verse in the Bible, so even the ones that seem more obscure can be a blessing.
I’m thankful for:
The gorgeous leaves falling!
Sunshine filtered through the trees!
My helpful teenaged sons
My oldest son coming home in two days.
A good husband
God’s provision
Blessings in little things.
Thank you for your thoughts!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Homestead Blog Hop
Laurie, thank you so much for sharing your thanksgiving. It helps us all with our attitude of gratitude.
I want to overflow with thanks as well.
I’m thankful for food, shelter and warmth; vehicles to get us where we need to be, work that satisfies, healthcare and medicines for my husband; healthy kids and grandkids, laughter, fall leaves and weekends.
Thank you so much for encouraging us by sharing, Jerralea!
Thankful for fall walks with hubby.
Sister-in-law getting over her cold so quickly.
Spring classes chosen for son.
New project.
Blessings after a family death.
Beautiful children and grandchildren.
Our church and friends.
Good books.
My sister and our soon to be get together.
Flannel sheets
More blessings than I can count because of God’s love and grace.
Such a beautiful list. Thank you for playing, Theresa.
I’m thankful for friends who treat me like family.
Me too, Paula. Me too. Thanks for adding this.
A good thing to remember as we gather together. It’s tempting to get negative. Thanks for coming by the Legacy Link-up. I pinned this also.
So true, Mandy. Thank you for reading and commenting.