A Heritage of Thanksgiving

From the earliest days of our nation, leaders have called for times of thanksgiving—not just for prosperity, but for God’s guidance, protection, and grace. As we pause to give thanks today, may we remember that true gratitude is the anchor of faith and the overflow of a life lived in communion with God.

Thanksgiving in America’s Foundations

The tradition of giving thanks for God’s provision and protection goes back to the founding of our country.

After taking office as the first president of the United States, George Washington called for a “day of public thanksgiving and prayer.” In the first official presidential proclamation issued in America, Washington’s 1789 Thanksgiving message to the people recommended:

… that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country …

Gratitude in Times of Trial

Later, when the nation’s existence was severely tested in the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln issued another Thanksgiving proclamation:

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens … to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to … fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it … to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility, and Union.

Although separated by nearly a century, the proclamations of Washington and Lincoln reveal a common thread. A recognition that our freedom, unity, and hope come not from man’s effort alone, but from the hand of Almighty God. In prosperity and in peril, these presidents pointed the nation back to its true source of help and healing—the Lord who “dwelleth in the Heavens.”

Their words challenge us today to pause, reflect, and acknowledge the blessings we often take for granted. Whether we find ourselves in a season of abundance or in a valley of need, thanksgiving redirects our focus to our Sustainer.

Thanksgiving: The Posture of Prayer

In addition to being an important national observance, thanksgiving is also the capstone to a life of prayer. The apostle Paul instructed the church in Philippi regarding prayer:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6, NASB).

As we celebrate Thanksgiving it is good to take notice of all we are grateful for. May this be a time of peace and celebration for you and your family as you gather to give thanks to God for His blessings. I wish you a happy Thanksgiving!

God bless you,

David Cerullo

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