A Personal Prayer of Thanks

On this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I’m using a personal prayer to give thanks. It’s a prayer I did not set out to create and developed it over several weeks earlier this year. What started as a couple of sentences became a personal statement of thanks. While it has become a standard prayer for me, usually before bedtime, I consider it a prayer of gratitude to be used anytime by anyone. And it seems appropriate to share with others who are also giving thanks this holiday.

My Prayer of Thanks

On the day that began with the Pilgrims celebrating the harvest of the season, my prayer of thanks seems an appropriate commentary that reflects the reasons to be thankful today and every day of the year. I share this prayer to join the collective voice of thanks heard this time of year. I also share it to provide anyone interested in a contemplative narrative they can use to give thanks.

While I use my narrative as a prayer, you may choose to use it in a manner appropriate to your practice of Thanksgiving. You can use it as a meditative statement as you ponder the good things in your life. You can use it as a statement of gratitude to share at the dinner table when it’s your turn to share the reasons to be thankful. You can use it to give thanks to the blessings of a higher power. You can use it to note your thanks for Mother Nature’s infinite gifts. You can use it as a reflective sentiment that reminds you to appreciate simple treasures anyone can easily take for granted. However you choose to use this commentary of thanks, may it provide comfort and meaning for yourself and in the company of loved ones.

I am Thankful

I am thankful for waking up to a new day. It’s always a blessing to wake up and experience a new day. And to wake up and experience a new day is to experience a beautiful day no matter the weather and no matter the season.

I am thankful for the many blessings I’m fortunate to have, including the blessings of loving family and friends, safe shelter, and a meal to eat every day.

I am thankful to be able and willing to recognize the unfortunate struggles others may encounter. I appreciate any insight into productive ways to help others in need. I ask that anyone, anywhere around the world, experiencing hardship or challenging circumstances, be blessed with at least some, if not all, the blessings many of us are fortunate to have to make it through any difficult situation.
Pedro Antonio

Giving Thanks is Health-promoting

If my prayer of thanks is one you prefer not to use, I hope it inspires you to write a personal statement of gratitude. Whatever you find comforting to say to express your gratitude, know it’s considered a health-promoting practice. In a December 6, 2022, article published on the Mayo Clinic webpage, the writer noted, “Expressing gratitude is associated with a host of mental and physical benefits.” Identified benefits of feeling thankful include improved sleep, improved mood, and enhanced immunity. I recommend you read the article to learn more.

Thanksgiving Well Wishes to All

Wishing everyone a very safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday weekend! Make the most of this extended weekend, eat heartily (of course!), and remember to be thankful for the things that truly matter, like family, friends, and good health. Bon Appetit!!