"My soul magnifies the Lord,Mary, Mother of God · Luke 1:46-49 (The Magnificat)
and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant.
For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for he who is mighty has done great things for me,
and holy is his name."
You are holy, Lord, the only God,Francis of Assisi · The Praises of God
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You are strong.
You are great.
You are the Most High.
You are Almighty.
You, Holy Father, are King of heaven and earth.
Praise the Lord!Psalm 150:1, 6
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens!
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord!
You are Good, all Good, supreme Good,Francis of Assisi · The Praises of God
Lord God, living and true.
You are love. You are wisdom.
You are humility. You are endurance.
You are rest. You are peace.
You are joy and gladness.
You are all our riches, and You suffice for us.
Francis simply listed what God is.
What would your list include?
Augustine, after years of running from God, finally surrendered—and this was his thanksgiving:
You called and cried out loudAugustine · Confessions, Book X
and shattered my deafness.
You were radiant and resplendent,
you put to flight my blindness.
You touched me,
and I am set on fire to attain the peace which is Yours.
Francis composed his Canticle while blind and suffering—and yet thanksgiving poured out:
Most High, all-powerful, good Lord,Francis of Assisi · The Canticle of the Creatures
Yours are the praises, the glory, and the honor, and all blessing.
To You alone, Most High, do they belong,
and no human is worthy to mention Your name.
Praised be You, my Lord, with all Your creatures.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanksFrancis of Assisi · The Canticle of the Creatures, closing
and serve Him with great humility.
Give thanks in all circumstances;1 Thessalonians 5:18
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Gratitude is not a feeling to wait for.
It is a song to begin.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving
You are holy, Lord, the only God,
and Your deeds are wonderful.
You called and cried out loud
and shattered my deafness.
You touched me, and I am set on fire.
For all You are—
Good, supreme Good,
love, wisdom, humility, rest, peace,
joy and gladness—
I give You thanks.
Through the intercession of Francis,
who praised You in suffering,
and Augustine, who praised You late but truly—
let my gratitude become a song.
Praise and bless my Lord
and serve Him with great humility.
Amen.
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