Becoming Grateful Day 28: Pray for Gratitude

PRAY FOR GRATITUDE

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart

"The First Thanksgiving" by Jennie Augusta Brownscombe

“…doing all things with prayer and thanksgiving…”

Doctrine & Covenants 46:7

Happy Thanksgiving! I bet those William Bradford's little band of those original pilgrims and Native Americans would be amazed at what their harvest celebration has turned into these days. After getting over the shock of what an automobile is, I think they'd be impressed with how many hundreds of miles family members will drive to be with loved ones, even when a blizzard is raging. And I think all the women would love having an oven to cook that big bird in, especially since they didn't have to pluck and clean it themselves but just pick up a nice plump Butterball at the local grocery store. But they may also be disappointed in the commercialism that comes along with Thanksgiving and pretty much every major holiday these days. For some, Thanksgiving is just a day to prep for the Black Friday sales. As soon as the meal is cleaned up and the men are settled with a plate of pumpkin pie in front of the 72"er watching whichever football team is winning against whatever other football team, the ads come out and the planning begins. Especially now that the sales start on the holiday, you've got to shop nearly through the night to hit the big deals. 

With so much going on today, from getting the food mixed and cooked and baked (or in my case, crock-potted), to laughing and playing with nieces and nephews, a round or two of Dominion, catching the latest flick at the IMAX theater, it's actually possible to get through the entire day of Thanksgiving without giving thanks. I'm not only talking about being socially polite and thanking mom or grandma for the wonderful meal she made. Although you better be sure to do that. And its more than going around the table and letting each person take a turn to acknowledge something nice in their life they appreciate, while this can be a good start and darling when little children are included.

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every

 man has many--not on your past misfortunes, 

of which all men have some - Charles Dickens

Amidst all the action and family time, take a moment to thank God for the day and all the blessing you have been given. Have you ever said a prayer and never asked for anything? Only gave thanks for the blessings you have recieved? The first time I made an attempt to do this following a youth leaders encouragement, it turned out to be harder than I thought. I really had to focus on the words I was saying in my prayer. While it is great to ask for blessings for our family and loved ones or for what our needs may be, it is also good to try saying a prayer where you only give thanks and not ask for anything. Try it. You'll find the list of things you are grateful for will grow as you concentrate on thanking your Father in Heaven for them. You'll find the words you say will be more meaningful, like Christie Skrinak did. She shared her story of offering a prayer of only gratitude :

As the week progressed, my prayers changed from “I thank Thee for food, clothing, and shelter” to “I thank Thee for the family that Thou hast preserved and kept well, for the protection Thou dost continue to afford us. I thank Thee for the provisions Thou wilt continue to bless us with.” I also remember praying, “I thank Thee for our dependence upon Thee, for Thy mindfulness of us, and for the pathway Thou art preparing for us to escape this bondage, whatever it may be.” Somewhere along the line, my prayers became prayers of not just gratitude, not just humility, but of faith also. Without asking for blessings, I was expressing faith that the Lord would provide for us, and my faith was growing exponentially. (Excerpt from My Prayers of Gratitude by Christie Skrinak)

If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dance, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

Doctrine & Covenants 136:28

Thanksgiving 2012 - We smoked a 20 lb. turkey just for the two of us! (Rachael)

“Think to thank. In these 

three words is the finest capsule 

course for a happy marriage, 

a formula for enduring friendship, 

and a pattern for personal happiness.”

-Thomas S. Monson

Take time to meditate and think about what you want to pray about.  This will help you to avoid rushing or rambling in your prayer.  Prayer is two way communication, not just a drive through order for Heaven's help.  I think it helps to make sure you won't have interruptions, even if that means you tell the family--I'm busy for a little while.  I also think actually kneeling down makes prayer just that much more reverent.    

Thank you to our small little group of readers.  Happy Thanksgiving!
Love, Rachael and Sarah