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By Prayer and Petition with Thanksgiving #3

November 17, 2021 by Lauren 14 Comments

thanksgivingIf 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!

How can anyone who focuses on blessings be somber?  Those who are fully aware of the mercy God bestows on them every minute of every day will exhibit more joy than any other!

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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

 

 

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Filed Under: Bible reading, Christian, joy, prayer, thanksgiving Tagged With: mercy

Comments

  1. Jeanne Takenaka says

    November 17, 2021 at 3:29 pm

    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. 🙂

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 17, 2021 at 3:59 pm

      You can “go on” anytime in my space. When you give thanks, it encourages me so much. Thank you.

      Reply
  2. Joanne Viola says

    November 17, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 18, 2021 at 10:00 am

      What a lovely list of gratitude, Joanne. Thank you so much for sharing with us.

      Reply
  3. Laurie says

    November 17, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 18, 2021 at 10:00 am

      Laurie, thank you so much for sharing your thanksgiving. It helps us all with our attitude of gratitude.

      Reply
  4. Jerralea Winn Miller says

    November 18, 2021 at 3:00 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 19, 2021 at 9:57 am

      Thank you so much for encouraging us by sharing, Jerralea!

      Reply
  5. Theresa Boedeker says

    November 20, 2021 at 10:21 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 22, 2021 at 8:46 am

      Such a beautiful list. Thank you for playing, Theresa.

      Reply
  6. PaulaShort says

    November 22, 2021 at 8:23 pm

    I’m thankful for friends who treat me like family.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 23, 2021 at 11:15 am

      Me too, Paula. Me too. Thanks for adding this.

      Reply
  7. Mandy Farmer says

    November 23, 2021 at 12:35 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Lauren says

      November 24, 2021 at 7:27 am

      So true, Mandy. Thank you for reading and commenting.

      Reply

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I love Jesus, my husband and caffeine. The order of these can change depending on how tired I am. When my two daughters, stepson, and 4 grandchildren get to be too much, I practice yoga. God graciously allows me to share our adventures, victories and flub-ups from my laptop. May He be glorified here.
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