Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and November is almost complete! It’s so hard to believe we are here already, but what a wonderful season of fellowship and thankfulness, and beyond that the birth of our Savior, Redeemer, Friend - Jesus.  What a time to celebrate.
 
Let’s take a quick look at some passages about thanksgiving:
 
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Philippians 4:6
 
I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 1 Timothy 2:1-2 
 
I find these first two passages to be very interesting.  What is thanksgiving grouped with? Prayer, petitions, and intercession.  Those are all extremely powerful tools that God has given us.  But how often do we tie thanksgiving into these tools?  Yet Scripture points to thanksgiving as an important part of prayer and intercession - thanking God for who He is, and giving thanks for the victory He has given unto us, His children, in all situations.  A definition of thanksgiving is a prayer of gratitude.  Thanksgiving goes hand in hand with prayer - which, is a part of worship:
 
I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30
 
Glorifying God with thanksgiving - it exalts the Lord and is a part of our worship.  So take time to offer up a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise to the Lord, thank Him for all that He has done, for the people around you, and for Jesus Christ our Savior.  We have so much to be thankful for - and praising God for all He has done not only brings Him glory, but is a powerful tool of prayer - one of gratitude, thanks, and praise!