A Psalm for Thanksgiving

Psalm 100 (A Psalm of Praise)

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness:

Come before His presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord He is God: 

It is He Who hath made us, and not we ourselves;

We are His people, and the sheep of His pasture.

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

And into His courts with praise:

Be thankful unto Him, and bless His name.

For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting;

And His truth endureth to all generations. 

(King James Version)

The words of our first president, George Washington (1732-1799), taken from old documents and printed in “The War Cry,” Nov. 11, 2006, p. 8 …

“The Governing Council of Charleston, Massachusetts has thought it meet to appoint and set apart … a day of solemn Thanksgiving and praise to God for such His goodness and favor … that the Lord my behold us as a people offering praise and thereby glorifying Him …

“Both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many … favors of Almighty God …” 

This, then, is another example of America’s religious heritage right from the founding of our country. The tradition of setting aside a special day every year to express our collective thanksgiving to God for his blessings upon America continues to this day. 

The fourth Thursday in November is our national Thanksgiving holiday. This day is proclaimed by America’s president every year … every November … “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise …” 

Our Heavenly Father, grant to us thankful hearts every new day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.