There are five basic prayer types: Praise, Thanksgiving, Confession, Petition, and Intercession. Praise – honoring, glorifying, and adoring God for who He is. Thanksgiving – appreciation to God for what He has done and continues to do. Confession – acknowledging faults and turning from them. Petition – prayer for self needs. Intercession – prayer for others. 

Thursday is Thanksgiving Day. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians encouraged them by sharing with them these words, “Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Phil. 4:6) To the Thessalonians he also said, “Always be thankful and keep on praying no matter what happens. For this is God’s will for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” (I Thess. 5:16, 18) 

I read about a Thanksgiving dinner that took place a few years ago at a small boarding house. Before the residents ate, they held hands and gave thanks. “I thank You for each friend who shares this house with me,” spoke one woman. Another said, “I thank You for all Your blessings, dear Lord, especially salvation through Jesus Christ.” Each shared his or her thanksgiving, and finally at the very end, one of the more elderly ladies gave her thanks. “I thank You, Lord, for two perfectly good teeth, one in my upper jaw and another in my lower jaw that match, so I can chew that delicious turkey in front of me. Amen.” 

Sometimes small things seem to be unimportant, (like two teeth that match) but Paul said we are to be thankful for everything. 

For what are you thankful this Thanksgiving Season? 

We can talk to God about anything and everything, with thanksgiving, knowing that He is working all things for our good. 

Have a thankful Thanksgiving!