November 2005 ~ Thanks
As children most of us to were taught to say “thank you” when someone gave us a gift or did something nice for us. This was part of being polite and, in and of itself, was a good habit to cultivate. However, there is more to saying “thanks” than being polite. Brother David Steindl-Rast, author of “Gratitude~The Heart of Prayer” says this: “Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise. Then you will discover the fullness of your life.” Giving thanks and praise as a path to the fullness of life is a very powerful idea. It was no less a sage than Willie Nelson who said, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around!”
Certainly we find thanksgiving and praise supported by the writings of the Bible. Some of these writings are what we often call “hard sayings.” They are teachings that we know are good, but which are, nevertheless, difficult to practice. One of these teachings is found in I Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Give thanks in all circumstances! Not just when the gift or the action is pleasant or desirable, but even when the gift or action is painful or undesirable. This takes gratitude to a whole new level and points to the value of making it a practice that is grounded in spiritual principle.
To view giving thanks as God’s Will for us may suggest that God requires our thanks, that our praise gratifies or pleases God. Many believe this. But for those of us who are learning to understand God as Principle rather than as a person, the concept of thanks and praise as God’s Will means something else. I especially like the way Charles Fillmore speaks of this. He says, "The purpose of praise is to awaken in ourselves a higher realization of the omnipresence and power of God. Prayer and praise change us, not God. Through an inherent law of mind action we increase whatever we praise!" We increase whatever we praise! And then, we have his often quoted words: “One can praise a weak body into strength, a fearful heart into peace and trust, shattered nerves into poise and power, a failing business into prosperity and success, want and insufficiency into supply and support!” (RW, pg 152)
November, the month of Thanksgiving, is upon us. I will not repeat the history of the holiday here, but I will remind us that just as “30 days hath September…” so doth November. I invite you to join me in making a new commitment to making this a month of conscious praise and thanksgiving. Here are some suggestions for ways to practice the “attitude of gratitude” for 30 days (or longer!).
Writing from scripture is one of my favorite ways to pray (and praise!). I will close by wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and by sharing one of my psalms.
Psalm 150 Revisited
Praise God!
Praise God in the holy temple that is your body!
Praise God in the unlimited universe that is your mind!
Praise God for the good you have received!
Praise God for the good that is beyond measure!
Praise God with your laughter,
Praise God with your tears,
Praise God with your dreaming,
Praise God with your doing.
Praise God with your unity,
Praise God with your diversity.
Let everything that breathes, let everything that lives,
Praise God!
jbm
Certainly we find thanksgiving and praise supported by the writings of the Bible. Some of these writings are what we often call “hard sayings.” They are teachings that we know are good, but which are, nevertheless, difficult to practice. One of these teachings is found in I Thessalonians 5:16-18:
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Give thanks in all circumstances! Not just when the gift or the action is pleasant or desirable, but even when the gift or action is painful or undesirable. This takes gratitude to a whole new level and points to the value of making it a practice that is grounded in spiritual principle.
To view giving thanks as God’s Will for us may suggest that God requires our thanks, that our praise gratifies or pleases God. Many believe this. But for those of us who are learning to understand God as Principle rather than as a person, the concept of thanks and praise as God’s Will means something else. I especially like the way Charles Fillmore speaks of this. He says, "The purpose of praise is to awaken in ourselves a higher realization of the omnipresence and power of God. Prayer and praise change us, not God. Through an inherent law of mind action we increase whatever we praise!" We increase whatever we praise! And then, we have his often quoted words: “One can praise a weak body into strength, a fearful heart into peace and trust, shattered nerves into poise and power, a failing business into prosperity and success, want and insufficiency into supply and support!” (RW, pg 152)
November, the month of Thanksgiving, is upon us. I will not repeat the history of the holiday here, but I will remind us that just as “30 days hath September…” so doth November. I invite you to join me in making a new commitment to making this a month of conscious praise and thanksgiving. Here are some suggestions for ways to practice the “attitude of gratitude” for 30 days (or longer!).
1. The Gratitude Journal (a way to count your blessings!)
For 30 days, write three things each day that you are grateful for. You may use a small notebook or even the computer. You may like this so much that you will want to keep on! Remember Willie Nelson.
2. Thank You Notes
For 30 days, write a note each day to someone you appreciate in some way. These may be sent by snail mail or by email… or even hand delivered. Many of them will go to people you know well. Some may be written for people you have never met. You may wish to write something like this: Dear _____, during this month of thanksgiving, I want to thank you for ______________. You have made a positive difference in my world and I am grateful.
3. Gratefulness.org
This is a wonderful website that I enjoy very much. You can “subscribe” and for 30 days or until you “unsubscribe” you will receive a daily quote relating to living gratefully. There are many other lovely features on this website, including a place to “light” a prayer candle.
4. Psalms of Praise
For 30 days, read from the Book of Psalms. You will find many of the psalms contain words of praise and thanksgiving! Many of these are found in the latter part of the book. Choose a psalm like 100 or 150. Read it often. Write it in your own words. Write your own psalm of praise and thanksgiving.
Writing from scripture is one of my favorite ways to pray (and praise!). I will close by wishing you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving and by sharing one of my psalms.
Praise God!
Praise God in the holy temple that is your body!
Praise God in the unlimited universe that is your mind!
Praise God for the good you have received!
Praise God for the good that is beyond measure!
Praise God with your laughter,
Praise God with your tears,
Praise God with your dreaming,
Praise God with your doing.
Praise God with your unity,
Praise God with your diversity.
Let everything that breathes, let everything that lives,
Praise God!
jbm
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