Thankful Appreciation

And He directed the people to sit down on the ground; and taking the seven loaves, He gave thanks and broke them, and started giving them to His disciples to serve to them, and they served them to the people. Mark 8:6 

“Thanks” appears 110 times in the New American Standard Bible. When we think of Jesus giving thanks we probably initially think of Him feeding the thousands (4,000 once and 5,000 another time) and offering thanks to the Father before the disciples passed out the food. In both occurrences the food multiplied from just a few fish and/or loaves to enough to feed the multitude.  Jesus then took the loaves, and having given thanks, He distributed to those who were seated; likewise also of the fish as much as they wanted. John 6:11. As much as they wanted. He was so generous. He was a good example to us—to be thankful, not just at this time of Thanksgiving…but all year. Even if we are in a restaurant our family, including children and grandchildren, we give thanks. Most of our friends are in agreement with praying in public, too. We’ve received stares and praises from fellow customers and wait staff.  So do you and your family regularly give thanks before meals? 

Training Tip – What prayers of thanks do your children know? Most preschools teach the children a short prayer that they say before their snack time. Below are some examples. Remember that it is important for you to pray, too—so that you’ll be a good example. There is also a power issue. They need to be asked to offer the blessing…not just do it automatically as their right.

God is great! God is good!
Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.

Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat.
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything.

Thank you for the food we eat (YUM YUM)
Thank you for the friends we meet (SUCH FUN)
Thank you for the birds who sing-a-ling-a-ling
Thank you Lord for everything...AMEN 

We also sing a variation of the Johnny Appleseed song…

Oh, The Lord’s been good to me, and so I thank the Lord,

For giving me the things I need,

This food and my friends and my family, (originally: For the sun and the rain and the apple seed)

The Lord’s been good to me.

You may also want to teach them the Doxology, and sing it as a family.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise him, all creatures here below;

Praise him above, ye heavenly host;

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen. 

Lord God, we are thankful to You for all You provide—food, shelter, protection, love and grace. Help us to share and show Your love to others and to express our thanksgiving always.

All scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise noted.

© 2013 by Mickey M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.