Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Praise
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Thanksgiving is a fundamental aspect of Christian worship and life, deeply intertwined with the act of praise. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God, not only as a response to His blessings but as an integral part of worship and praise. Thanksgiving is not merely an expression of gratitude but a recognition of God's sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness.

Biblical Foundation

The Scriptures provide numerous examples and exhortations that highlight the necessity of thanksgiving alongside praise. In the Psalms, which serve as a model for worship, thanksgiving is frequently coupled with praise. Psalm 100:4 instructs believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name." This verse underscores the idea that thanksgiving is the appropriate posture when approaching God in worship.

The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, repeatedly encourages believers to maintain a heart of gratitude. In Colossians 3:16-17 , he writes, "Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Here, thanksgiving is presented as an essential component of both communal worship and daily living.

Theological Significance

Thanksgiving is a recognition of God's providence and grace. It acknowledges that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17). By giving thanks, believers affirm their dependence on God and His provision. This act of gratitude is not contingent upon circumstances but is a constant expression of faith and trust in God's unchanging nature.

Moreover, thanksgiving is a response to the redemptive work of Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 , Paul exhorts, "Rejoice at all times. Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." This passage highlights that thanksgiving is God's will for believers, rooted in the joy and hope found in Christ.

Practical Application

Incorporating thanksgiving into daily life and worship can transform a believer's relationship with God. It shifts the focus from self to God, fostering a spirit of humility and reverence. Regularly practicing thanksgiving can lead to a deeper awareness of God's presence and work in one's life, cultivating a heart of contentment and peace.

In corporate worship, thanksgiving should be a central element, guiding the congregation to acknowledge God's attributes and deeds. Songs, prayers, and testimonies of thanksgiving can enrich the worship experience, drawing believers closer to God and to one another.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving is an essential aspect of Christian worship and life, deeply intertwined with praise. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of giving thanks to God, not only as a response to His blessings but as an integral part of worship and praise. Thanksgiving is not merely an expression of gratitude but a recognition of God's sovereignty, goodness, and faithfulness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Psalm 92:1
IT IS A GOOD THING TO GIVE THANKS UNTO THE LORD, AND TO SING PRAISES UNTO THY NAME, O MOST HIGH:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Hebrews 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

This Letter was Written to Accompany the Publication of Sermon 221 ...
... my behalf be each and all mingled with thanksgiving. Gratitude should ever be used
in devotion, like ... brethren, "Be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/this letter was written to.htm

Perhaps There is no Book Within the Whole Canon of Scripture So ...
... Oh wherefore should we do ourselves this wrong, Or others, that we are not always
strong ... these forthwith pass on the stream in "abounding" thanksgiving to God ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter i perhaps there is.htm

The Gospel Supper
... he took notice, he looked before he spake (as we should always do, if we ... and feed
upon him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving. ... And why should we doubt? ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the gospel supper.htm

The Death of the Famous Actor Miraudin was a Nine Days' Wonder...
... Yet surely the recovery of her child should fill her with thanksgiving and make ... It
is a strange fact, but these same common folk always DO take these sorts ...
//christianbookshelf.org/corelli/the master-christian/xxv the death of the.htm

Knox's Book of Common Order.
... worship already considered there has always been associated ... and the prayer of
thanksgiving, also prescribed ... Order required that marriages should be celebrated ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iii knoxs book of.htm

The Great Privilege of those that are Born of God
... unless our love, and prayer, and thanksgiving return to ... though not painful) fear,
lest we should lean to ... watch always; that thou mayest always hear the voice ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 19 the great privilege.htm

Twenty Second Sunday after Trinity Paul's Thanks and Prayers for ...
... all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every ... This kind of thanksgiving and sacrifices
are acceptable to ... Christianity should be begun in youth, to give practice ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/twenty second sunday after trinity.htm

Appendix V in the Directory.
... assigned to that which the Church has always regarded as ... the intervals between the
Public Services should "be spent ... "Let the Prayer, Thanksgiving, or Blessing ...
/.../luckock/studies in the book of common prayer/appendix v in the directory.htm

Thankfulness for Mercies Received, a Necessary Duty
... in every thing by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your ... I love you,
the less I should be loved ... may bear long, he will not forbear always; and if ...
/.../selected sermons of george whitefield/thankfulness for mercies received a.htm

A Day to be Remembered
... resound with the melody of your thanksgiving, and with ... It should become a Sabbath
unto the Lord throughout ... is remaining, for drawn wells are always the sweetest ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/a day to be remembered.htm

Resources
What should be the focus of Christians on Thanksgiving? | GotQuestions.org

Why doesn't the Lord's Prayer include thanksgiving? shouldn't all our prayers include expressions of thankfulness? | GotQuestions.org

What are the different types of prayer? | GotQuestions.org

Thanksgiving: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a Good Thing

Thanksgiving of Hypocrites, Full of Boasting

Thanksgiving: Anna

Thanksgiving: Christ Set an Example of

Thanksgiving: Commanded

Thanksgiving: Daniel

Thanksgiving: David

Thanksgiving: Expressed in Psalms

Thanksgiving: Jonah

Thanksgiving: Levites

Thanksgiving: Ministers Appointed to offer, in Public

Thanksgiving: Paul

Thanksgiving: Saints: Abound in the Faith With

Thanksgiving: Saints: Come Before God With

Thanksgiving: Saints: Exhorted To

Thanksgiving: Saints: Habitually offer

Thanksgiving: Saints: Magnify God By

Thanksgiving: Saints: Offer Sacrifices of

Thanksgiving: Saints: Resolved to offer

Thanksgiving: Saints: should Enter God's Gate With

Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Praise

Thanksgiving: should Always Accompany Prayer

Thanksgiving: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others

Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Men

Thanksgiving: should be offered for all Things

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Appointment to the Ministry

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Christ's Power and Reign

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Deliverance Through Christ from In-Dwelling Sin

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Faith Exhibited by Others

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Love Exhibited by Others

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Conversion of Others

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Gift of Christ

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Goodness and Mercy of God

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Grace Bestowed on Others

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Nearness of God's Presence

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Reception and Effectual Working of the Word of God

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Supply of Our Bodily Wants

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Triumph of the Gospel

Thanksgiving: should be offered for the Zeal Exhibited by Others

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Victory Over Death and the Grave

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Willingness to offer Our Property for God's Service

Thanksgiving: should be offered for Wisdom and Might

Thanksgiving: should be offered in Behalf of Ministers

Thanksgiving: should be offered in Everything

Thanksgiving: should be offered in Private Worship

Thanksgiving: should be offered in Public Worship

Thanksgiving: should be offered in the Name of Christ

Thanksgiving: should be offered: Always

Thanksgiving: should be offered: At the Remembrance of God's Holiness

Thanksgiving: should be offered: Before Taking Food

Thanksgiving: should be offered: Through Christ

Thanksgiving: should be offered: To Christ

Thanksgiving: should be offered: To God

Thanksgiving: should be offered: Upon the Completion of Great Undertakings

Thanksgiving: Simeon

Thanksgiving: The Heavenly Host Engaged In

Thanksgiving: The Wicked Averse To

Related Terms

Thank (68 Occurrences)

Thankfulness (7 Occurrences)

Redound (2 Occurrences)

Cakes (65 Occurrences)

Offers (35 Occurrences)

Yeast (48 Occurrences)

Leavened (16 Occurrences)

Gratitude (6 Occurrences)

Wafers (6 Occurrences)

Fried (3 Occurrences)

Therein (269 Occurrences)

Thankful (15 Occurrences)

Expression (17 Occurrences)

Mattani'ah (16 Occurrences)

Peace-offering (46 Occurrences)

Cup (86 Occurrences)

Created (55 Occurrences)

Abounding (28 Occurrences)

Sakes (35 Occurrences)

Soaked (7 Occurrences)

Saturated (3 Occurrences)

Praise (487 Occurrences)

Associates (26 Occurrences)

Thanks (151 Occurrences)

Stirred (64 Occurrences)

Flour (69 Occurrences)

Joyfully (37 Occurrences)

Publish (22 Occurrences)

Mattaniah (16 Occurrences)

Prayers (99 Occurrences)

Mingled (62 Occurrences)

Unleavened (51 Occurrences)

Eucharist

Joyful (83 Occurrences)

Supper (17 Occurrences)

Mixed (96 Occurrences)

Thanksgivings (6 Occurrences)

Asaph (47 Occurrences)

Oblation (208 Occurrences)

Aloud (141 Occurrences)

Anointed (132 Occurrences)

Subapostolic

Sub-apostolic

Singing (65 Occurrences)

Peace-offerings (82 Occurrences)

Prayer (406 Occurrences)

Shout (114 Occurrences)

Brings (155 Occurrences)

Spread (257 Occurrences)

Multiplied (109 Occurrences)

Rejoicing (90 Occurrences)

Gladness (83 Occurrences)

Fellowship (114 Occurrences)

Blessing (357 Occurrences)

Songs (100 Occurrences)

Kad'mi-el (8 Occurrences)

Kadmiel (8 Occurrences)

Unwashen (3 Occurrences)

Unreservedly (1 Occurrence)

Overflow (43 Occurrences)

Overflowing (54 Occurrences)

Over-anxious (6 Occurrences)

Jeduthun (15 Occurrences)

Jedu'thun (11 Occurrences)

Liketh (3 Occurrences)

Lip (20 Occurrences)

Labouring (18 Occurrences)

Liberality (7 Occurrences)

Generosity (6 Occurrences)

Glorifies (3 Occurrences)

Gratefully (1 Occurrence)

Galal (3 Occurrences)

Generous (17 Occurrences)

Wondrous (41 Occurrences)

Worketh (49 Occurrences)

Watchful (17 Occurrences)

Wastelands (4 Occurrences)

Insignificant (9 Occurrences)

Thanksgiving: Saints: should Enter God's Gate With
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