Five Actionable Points to Ponder to Improve the Prayer at Your Thanksgiving Table
Give Family and Friends a Sense of Gratitude, and Thank God for His Goodness
There are a few don’ts and dos when it comes to praying a prayer of thanks at the family Thanksgiving table. Forget about the Talladega Nights’ infamous (and blasphemous) Baby Jesus prayer. And don’t try to sound like a professional actor, poet, or orator. Instead, take the time to bring your family and invited guests into a moment where they can reflect on their lives and the things that God has provided.
Here are five tips for preparing an authentic and meaningful prayer of thanksgiving:
- Be specific. Many prayers tend to be too generic and broad. But a prayer around a table surrounded by family and friends should honestly relate to people’s lives. Did someone get a new job? Get married? Recover from illness? Travel safely? Mention these specific things for which you are giving thanks. Are you not sure what people are thankful for? Ask ahead of time. They will tell you!
- Be respectful. Many people who are unaccustomed to publicly praying tend to try to be too short or try to add humor to their prayer. They do this to ease the tension created by this meaningful moment. Don’t do this. Consider the fact that you are speaking to the God of the Universe to whom we owe our lives. Offer prayers that respect God. Don’t try to be cute.
- Write it down. Never, ever “wing” a prayer that you are serious about. If you mean what you are trying to say, then think about it beforehand. Take the time to write out phrases or bullet points. Authentic prayers, like great poetry and legal contracts, are always written.
- Borrow from the best. As you take the time to write a prayer, search the internet for a template to use. Find something that is close to what you want to say, then add to it. You could quote a verse from a well-known Thanksgiving hymn. You can use the AI Prayer Generator to write a wonderful prayer.
- Stay clear of politics. Focus on things that unite people, not divide. The conversation around the table might erupt over politics, war, or hot-button items later in the meal, but prayer should bring people together.
Amen?
If you are a Christian not sure about the faith of others, prayer is not the time to challenge people about their faith or convince people about yours. Simply pray your prayer in the name of Jesus your Lord and say, “Amen.”
Giving thanks is one of the highest privileges we have as human beings. It means that we know there is Someone else who is beyond our understanding and who, for reasons we can’t imagine, has given us many good and wonderful things.
Happy Thanksgiving.
