What is the Thanksgiving?
These are the words “O give thanks unto the Lord for He is good, and His mercy endures forever.” They are found in various Psalms. These words have traditionally been used by Christian families at the close of a meal.
What does it have to do with our worship?
We have just received the supper of our Lord in which He gave us His grace through the reception of His body and blood. This is a great reason to give thanks. This grace and mercy is not temporary, but everlasting. We rejoice in that mercy, but mostly in the Lord who gives it.
What does the Bible have to say about this?
Psalm 106, 107 – These Psalms begin with this phrase from the Liturgy, then give various reasons for such thanksgiving. Most of those reasons are demonstrations of His mercy and grace.
Psalm 136 – This Psalm affirms the wonders of God, verse by verse, with each verse having the words, “for His mercy endures forever.”
Philippians 4:4-7 – We are encouraged to constantly rejoice in our prayers with thanksgiving.
1 Peter 1:3-9 – Peter thanks God for the living hope that sustains us in all trials of our life.
Revelation 4, 5, 7 – Those gathered around the throne of heaven sing praise to God for the wonders He has performed.
Suggestions
You may want to say these words at the close of the meal. Prior to receiving the Sacrament, you may want to remind them that we say these words at having received this special meal. You may also want to sing the following hymns: 632, 789, 791, 805, 806, 814, 816, 895.
Object Lesson
Give them something, teaching them to say “thank you.” Teach them that in these words in the service we are thanking God for the blessings of His grace He has given in the Word and The Sacrament.
Prayer
O Lord God Almighty, we thank You for the many blessings You give us. We especially thank You for the grace You give us in Your Word and Sacraments as we worship you each week. Remind us each day that Your mercy endures forever. Amen.