“Father, I give you thanks that you have heard me.” John 11:41b
“We have a great deal to be thankful for and still stand in great need. Expressing gratitude and asking for specific graces are two ways we can daily pray to God our Father. In the first place we need to recognize the gifts the Lord has given us. We will not learn how to love if we are not grateful… We find Christ in the Gospels constantly giving thanks to God. And He is our Model. When raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus exclaims: Father I give you thanks that you have heard me. On the occasion of another miracle, Jesus took the loaves and, after giving thanks, distributed them and the fishes to those who were reclining. At the institution of the eucharist (meaning “thanksgiving”), the Lord gave thanks before blessing the bread and wine.”
Teresa of Avila in The Life of St. Teresa of Ávila 10. 3, as cited with supplemental comments by Francis Fernandez in In Conversation with God: Meditations for Each Day of the Year, volume 7 (London: Scepter, 1993) 196-197.
What a profound idea. That we take time to express gratitude while also asking for graces.
Each of us has so much to be thankful for, and yet, we still stand in great need. Every day we have huge needs. And notice the example of Jesus.
For Him thanksgiving is bigger than turkey, football, parades, and pumpkin pie.
He gives thanks that the Father hears Him, that the Father provides for the people, and that the Father supplies the bread and wine, which implies the sacrifice for sins of humanity.
Let us pause today, at least in USA, from our labor and convene with loved ones.
And let us express our gratitude to God for hearing us, providing for our needs, and supplying the sacrifice for our sins. And let us also ask for special graces.
We need Him right now, today, as much or more than ever.
Father, we give thanks you that you hear and love us. Grant us special graces. Strengthen us by your Holy Spirit to live, give, serve, and love generously. Make it so, we ask in the name of Jesus. Amen.