Remembering and Celebrating the Lord’s Kindnesses

When the godly see God’s wondrous work, they rejoice, and every sinner shuts his mouth. If you are wise, remember these things, and pay attention to the kindnesses of I AM. Psalm 107:42–43

This year’s Thanksgiving prayer springs from following the psalmist’s command to remember and celebrate the extraordinary kindnesses God has extended to me (in Hebrew, his chesed). They are extraordinary in that they exceed the benefits he committed to provide in his covenant; he is faithful to provide them. The extraordinary kindnesses are the surprises he’s sent my way that are above and beyond what he’s promised, more than I could ask or imagine.

O God, we celebrate what you have done:
The wonder of your kindnesses and grace;
The goodness Jesus shows to everyone
Whom he’s redeemed from Satan’s tight embrace.
Our longing, hungry hearts you satisfy;
You free us from our prisons of remorse.
You calm the raging storms that terrify;
With grateful courage we can stay the course.
Your wondrous kindness when we cry in need
Delivers us from sickness and from death.
It’s caused our feeble efforts to succeed;
It gives us time to rest and catch our breath.
For this extraordinary charity,
We’ll give you thanks for all eternity.