Perhaps you have heard the story about the little boy who upon returning from a school party was asked by his mother, “Bobby, did you thank the lady for the party?” He answered, “Well, I was going to, but the girl ahead of me said, ‘thank you,’ and the lady told her not to mention it, so I didn’t.” Unlike that little boy, we do want to say, “Thank you” to each of you who faithfully support our missionaries.
On November 22, we will celebrate Thanksgiving Day. Businesses will close for one day. We will gather with friends and family and we will feast, feast, feast. We may watch a little football. We may take a little nap. Many though will miss the significance of that day. A grandfather asked his grandson one time about the first Thanksgiving. He asked who the Pilgrims were thanking. The little boy responded, “The Indians, I guess.” Sadly, many people also miss the point. Thanksgiving is to be offered to God. For the Christian, this should not be something that takes place just once a year. An attitude of gratitude should be present every day of our lives.
With that thought in mind, I offer the following prayer on behalf of our EMU International missionaries and our home office staff:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We are grateful …
• For the tremendous privilege of serving You cross-culturally
• For the growing burden to reach the people in each field where we have been sent
• For the passion to serve You first and to serve these people well
We thank You …
• For mission-minded churches who send us as their ambassadors
• For the prayers of persevering saints
• For the financial support of our ministry partners
• For the encouragement offered to us by our friends and family
• For the daily supply of our needs
• For the ability to stay connected through modern technology
• For the permissions granted to us by the governments in each place we serve
• For co-workers who help carry the load while we serve
• For understanding spouses and children who help in ministry
We thank You…
• For your Word which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path
• For the promise of Your presence even unto the ends of the earth
• For your protection and the promise that You will never leave us or forsake us
• For your promise that the good work that you have begun, You will continue
• For the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives which counsels and comforts us
• For the privilege of prayer and the promises of faith
Oh, Lord, thank you for the honor of serving You as a missionary at this particular time in this particular place. Amen