What is the Prayer of Thanksgiving?
This is the prayer that follows our reception of the Sacrament of the Altar. There are several prayers in our order of worship. The pastor chooses which one to use. Both are prayers that thank God for the blessings He gives in the Sacrament.
What does it have to do with our worship?
Worship is an interaction between Christ and His bride, the church. Christ blesses us with His grace and we respond with prayers, praise and confession of faith. This is one of those responses. We offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the grace we have received in Christ’s body and blood.
What does the Bible have to say about this?
Matthew 26:27 – Jesus gives the cup of His blood after giving thanks.
Colossians 3:16-17 – Paul encourages them, that Christ’s Word would dwell in them through various acts of worship, and that they give thanks to God the Father through Christ.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-20 – Paul encourages them to rejoice, pray and give thanks in all things.
Suggestions
Find ways to emphasize the grace Jesus brings in the Sacrament. Remind each other that the Sacrament is a blessing of grace worth giving thanks for. You may also want to sing the following hymns: 617, 632, 895, 923.
Object Lesson
Ask them what they are thankful for and ask them why. Thank God for Jesus, who died for the bad things we do, and gives us the blessings of His death when we receive His body and blood in the Lord’s Supper.
Prayer
Read one of the prayers of thanksgiving.