Even during difficult times, perhaps especially during difficult times, we need the blessing of gratitude. Consider this invitation from President Russell M. Nelson: “Our first noble deed of the morning should be a humble prayer of gratitude.”[1]
Can you imagine a day that begins that way? How might we approach a day that we consider a gift from God? After all, this glorious world and everything good in it come from Him, including our very lives. We can never finish counting our blessings, but we can start, and we can “live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which [God] . . . bestow[s] upon [us].”[2]
So how can we more fully live in thanksgiving daily?
Woman, 40–60 years old: “I don’t think gratitude means pretending that everything in my life has been easy. Of course, I’ve had my difficult times. But deep in my heart I’ve always tried to thank God for the little blessings that come along. I’ve found that as I look for reasons to be thankful, I always find them.”
Man, 25–40 years old: “I used to get quite negative and down at times, but when I made the decision to be more grateful, I’ve just felt happier. I notice things like the beautiful world around us, my loving family—all kinds of good things and good people around me. Deciding to be thankful has totally changed my perspective. In fact, I would say it’s changed my life.”
Man, 70–80 years old: “To me, prayer is the key to gratitude. I pray every morning and express my thanks to God for His many blessings. There’s something about saying it out loud that drives the gratitude deeper into my heart.”
Woman, 25–40: “It’s great to have a day or a season to set aside for thanksgiving. But God’s blessings are always there, so my heart can be full of thanks to God and my loved ones during all seasons, every day.”
It’s easy for our prayers to become a list of requests, like we’re putting in an order at “a cosmic vending machine.”[3] What could happen if instead we saw prayer as a chance to express thanks? Of course, the great God of the universe wants to bless us, and He invites us to ask, seek, and knock.[4] But it’s also true that one of the greatest blessings He offers is the peace and perspective that fill our souls when we live in thanks
[1] Russell M. Nelson, “Joy Cometh in the Morning,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 68.
[2] Alma 34:38.
[3] D. Todd Christofferson, “Our Relationship with God,” Liahona, May 2022, 78.
[4] See Matthew 7:7.
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November 20, 2022
Broadcast Number 4,862
The Tabernacle Choir
Orchestra at Temple Square
Bells at Temple Square
Conductors
Mack Wilberg
LeAnna Willmore
Organist
Brian Mathias
Host
Lloyd Newell
Alleluia Fanfare/Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
German hymn tune; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Prayer of Thanksgiving
Edward Kremser (based on a Dutch melody); Arr. Mack Wilberg
Come, Ye Thankful People Come
George J. Elvey; Arr. Brian Mathias
For the Beauty of the Earth
Conrad Kocher; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Simple Gifts
Shaker tune; Arr. D. Linda McKechnie
Now Thank We All Our God
Johann Crüger; Arr. Mack Wilberg
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
American folk hymn; Arr. Mack Wilberg