Basil of Caesarea: Give thanks to God

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“When you sit down to eat, pray. When you eat bread, do so thanking Him for being so generous to you. If you drink wine, be mindful of Him who has given it to you for your pleasure and as a relief in sickness. When you dress, thank Him for His kindness in providing you with clothes. When you look at the sky and the beauty of the stars, throw yourself at God’s feet and adore Him who in His wisdom has arranged things in this way. Similarly, when the sun goes down and when it rises, when you are asleep or awake, give thanks to God, who created and arranged all things for your benefit, to have you know, love, and praise their Creator.”

Basil of Caesarea, a.k.a. “Basil the Great” (330-379) in Hom. in Julittam martyrem.

Many will observe a Passover meal or Seder dinner today or sometime during Holy Week. We do this to remember that God saved His people from bondage in the days of Exodus and to celebrate the miraculous deliverance that foreshadowed the work of Christ for all humankind on the cross.

At your ceremonial meal or sometime this week with family or friends, read this prayer when you sit down to eat and give thanks to God in your hearts. Do this so as not forget all His benefits. Read a Scripture along with it too, such as Psalm 103.