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Who'll Say Grace?
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

"Who'll say grace?" grandma asks. Grown-ups look awkwardly at each other in strained silence. Finally Uncle John snickers and parrots the word "grace," and laughter spills over the tension. Grandma steps in. "Jennifer, why don't you say the prayer you learned in Sunday School when you were in kindergarten." She recites. The feast begins.
Embarrassed silence replaces thanksgiving, gluttony displaces gratefulness. Thanksgiving--an expression of gratitude to God for benefits received--is too often absent from our hollow holiday. There is, however, an ancient custom which can reclaim the day.
We read, Jesus "took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples." At the Last Supper Jesus took bread and gave thanks, lifted the cup, gave thanks and offered it to His followers. Jesus always prayed before meals.
We can, too. A simple prayer of thanks at each family meal of the year will gradually restore thankfulness to us. As our children see us humble ourselves to thank our Creator, they too learn to be grateful. Robert Lintner said it well: "Thanksgiving was never meant to be shut up in a single day."
This habit of family thankfulness can begin round our tables this Thanksgiving--the first of many prayers of thanks to be offered, not just by Jennifer, but by her thankful mother and father as well.
Copyright © 2022, Ralph F. Wilson. <pastorjoyfulheart.com> All rights reserved. A single copy of this article is free. Do not put this on a website. See legal, copyright, and reprint information.
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In-depth Bible study books
You can purchase one of Dr. Wilson's complete Bible studies in PDF, Kindle, or paperback format.
- 28 Advent Scriptures
- 1, 2, and 3 John
- 1 Peter
- 2 Peter & Jude
- 1 & 2 Thessalonians
- 1 & 2 Timothy
- 1 Corinthians
- 2 Corinthians
- Apostle Paul
- Abraham, Faith of
- Christ Powered Life (Romans 5-8)
- Christmas Incarnation
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- Conquering Lamb of Revelation
- Daniel
- David, Life of
- Early Church: Acts 1-12
- Elijah
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- Gideon
- Glorious Kingdom, The
- Grace: Favor for the Undeserving
- Great Prayers of the Bible
- Hebrews
- Holy Spirit, Disciple's Guide
- Isaiah
- Jacob, Life of
- James
- Jesus and the Kingdom of God
- JesusWalk: Beginning the Journey
- John's Gospel
- Joshua
- Lamb of God
- Listening for God's Voice
- Lord's Supper
- Luke's Gospel
- Moses the Reluctant Leader
- Names and Titles of God
- Names and Titles of Jesus
- Philippians
- Rebuild & Renew: Post-Exilic Books
- Resurrection and Easter Faith
- Sermon on the Mount
- Psalms
- Seven Last Words of Christ
- Songs of Ascent (Ps 120-134)
- Revelation
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