Listen

How can we thank God enough for you, given all the joy we have because of you before our God? Night and day, we pray more than ever to see all of you in person and to complete whatever you still need for your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus guide us on our way back to you.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-11

Think

At the summer camp where I work, campers love to sing a song called “I Thank You God.” The lyrics are full of fanciful imagery and come from an ee cummings poem of the same name. The song starts slowly, with amusing hand and body motions corresponding with the lyrics. Then it repeats, a little faster… then again even faster, then again at a breakneck speed. By the time we’ve finished the final round, everyone is laughing and yelling and jumping all at once.

How can we thank God enough for you, given all the joy we have because of you?

Paul’s words in this passage express more than simple gratitude – he asks plainly, how can we thank God enough?

Has there been a moment, an experience, a person, or an item in your life that filled you with such joy that you simply do not know how to thank God enough?

Just as we are called to notice signs of changing times, God also wants us to notice that which brings us deep joy. We may not know how to offer it fully, but we can lift up our daily blessings with joy.

Paris Ball

Pray

Loving and generous God, all the blessings in my life come from you and flow out of your desire for my wholeness and joy.

Thank you for everything that sustains, supports, and upholds me. Thank you for moments of laughter, lightness, and clarity.

Even when I do not know how to express it, I thank you, thank you, thank you.

Amen.

Go

As we depart from this time of prayer and reflection
may we be attentive to the moments ahead

May we receive the world with
courage and compassion

May we treat ourselves with
loving kindness

May hope guide us,
for the Lord is coming!