Date: November 18, 2024

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory, power, and dominion now and forever, and to the Holy Ghost, who continues to dwell within us, guiding our steps. This month’s theme is thankfulness, and this week’s message is “Thankfulness as a Spiritual Practice: The Power of Prayer in Cultivating Gratitude.”

Prayer serves as a medium through which we can cultivate a spirit of gratitude, effectively transforming our hearts and minds into vessels of thankfulness. As stated in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Engaging in prayer transcends the mere recitation of words; it constitutes an essential dialogue with God. This sacred communion enables us to reflect on our substantial and minor blessings while acknowledging how the Holy Spirit manifests in our lives. Through prayer, we are encouraged to focus on what we possess rather than lack.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 reminds us to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for it is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.” Embracing gratitude is paramount in one’s spiritual journey. Jesus consistently thanked the disciples before sharing meals and during healing moments. These instances serve as reminders that gratitude is both a reaction and a proactive stance that individuals can adopt in their lives. By modeling this behavior in our prayers and gratitude for daily miracles and grace, we align ourselves with divine teachings and foster a closer connection to God.

In conclusion, gratitude can facilitate healing on spiritual and emotional levels. When we approach God in prayer with gratitude for His blessings, we create an environment conducive to inner healing. James 1:2-4 advises the twelve tribes dispersed abroad, “My brethren, consider it pure joy whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, lacking nothing.” Recognizing the positive amidst adversity allows us to cultivate hope and resilience in distress or suffering. This serves as a reminder of God’s enduring presence, even in the most challenging times, and that His love sustains us. Such a transformative approach through thankfulness empowers us to confront challenges with renewed vigor, reinforced by the assurance of God’s unwavering support. “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” Romans 12:1. Wishing a joyful Thanksgiving from the Worthem family to all of you in the Body of Christ, may your hearts be filled with gratitude and love.

Remember, “…with God, all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26b).

In His Service,

Bishop Dr. Calvin Worthem        

General Chief Overseer/Senior Bishop