Gratefulness is at the very heart of prayer

Mr. Ricky A. Thibodaux
November 24, 2009
Nov. 27
November 27, 2009
Mr. Ricky A. Thibodaux
November 24, 2009
Nov. 27
November 27, 2009

The late spiritual writer, Henri Nouwen, suggested that our purest, simplest holiday is Thanksgiving. Christmas has become distorted by a society that has forgotten “the reason for the season” and promotes consumer madness and endless parties. Even Easter is overshadowed by chocolate bunnies and new apparel.


Gratefulness is at the very heart of prayer. To observe Thanksgiving correctly, we must gratefully be attentive and have reverence for all that is. Unfortunately, we cannot manufacture gratefulness. It is a grace, a gift that God gives us. However, we must be open to receive it.

True gratitude is different from the guarded optimism found in the admonition to “count your blessings.” Gratitude is more than a sincere effort to concentrate on the good things in life. It is more than developing an attitude of looking at the glass of water as “half filled,” rather than half empty.


We attain a state of gratitude by constantly realizing God’s presence in our lives. As St. Paul reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thess. 5:18) When we do this, we experience peace, joy, and fulfillment in our relationships.


Thanksgiving is the natural response to the grace and goodness of a great and wonderful God who cares and provides. Again, Paul tells us, “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col. 3:17)

A story in Anthony de Mello’s book “Song of the Birds” deals with a man who kept asking favors from God. Finally, God said he would grant him three requests and nothing more.


The man made his first petition at once. He asked that his wife should die so that he could marry a better woman.


His petition was immediately granted.

When everyone gathered for the funeral and began to talk about all his wife’s good qualities, the man realized he had been too hasty. He saw he had been blind to all her virtues. So he asked the Lord to bring her back to life.


That left him with just one petition. He was determined not to make a mistake this time. So he consulted many people. Some friends advised him to ask for immortality. But what good was immortality if he did not have good health? What good is health if he had no money? What good was money if he had no friends?

He couldn’t decide so he went to the Lord and said, “Please advise me on what to ask for.” The Lord laughed when he saw the man’s predicament, and said, “Ask to be content no matter what you get.”

That should be our attitude as Christians. The happiest people do not necessarily have the best of everything. They make the most of everything that comes their way.

I would like to close with this “Litany of Thanksgiving” that recognizes God’s presence in all of life.

For every breath we take, for every beat of our hearts, for every sensation of our bodies: We give you thanks, O God.

For the ear that listens, for the hand that caresses, for the arms that reach out in love: We give you thanks, O God.

For being with us in our pain, for the tears of shared sorrow, for the laughter of shared joy: We give you thanks, O God.

For the freedom to choose, for the ability to love, for the power of hope: We give you thanks, O God.

For the presence you reveal to us, for the courage you offer us, for the rest you assure us will be ours: We give you thanks, O God.

Have a great Thanksgiving holiday!