Thanksgiving

First of all, then, I ask that supplications, prayers, petitions, and thanksgivings be offered for everyone, for kings and for all in authority, that we may lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity. 1 Timothy 2:1-2

Today we, as Americans, gather around our tables with family and friends to give thanks for the many gifts that God has given us. There are many things that we should give thanks for in our lives. We are to be thankful for the gift of life, with all it's issues and challenges; for our families, especially for those in our families that may get under our skin; and we finally pray for those in authority over us in the our government that we may "...lead a quiet and tranquil life in all devotion and dignity."

It may be difficult to pray for our family or friends that annoy us, or for those in authority over us in the government, especially for those who we really feel are not living up to what we feel they should be doing as leaders. We are called to pray for them, that they may be more open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. We pray for those family members that annoy us. And we pray for those in government that are leading us in ways that we feel are not according to the Will of God.

St. Paul goes on to say, "This is good and pleasing to God our savior, who wills everyone to be saved and to come to knowledge of the truth." (1 Timothy 2:3-4)

May God bless our country and our families during this Thanksgiving Day, and give us the peace and joy that can only come from Him.