Thankfulness and the General Thanksgiving in the Daily Offices

 Rt. Rev. Edward Reynolds

The only possible path to being restored to a right relationship with God is through our faith that Jesus Christ has indeed opened teh way.  In terms of our redemption from our fallen and sinful human nature, Christ did for us what we could not possibly do for ourselves.  All that is left is for us to do is receive the gift and be thankful.  

Thankfulness is, therefore, a central tenant of the Christian experience, and this is reflected throughout our Anglican Book of Common Prayer.   A prayer that has been a favorite of mine from my very young years is The General Thanksgiving found in the Daily Office (daily prayers).  This is a prayer composed by the Rt. Rev. Edward Reynolds, then Bishop of Norwich, first included in the BCP in its 1662 revision.  The Puritans in the Church of England at the time had complained that there were not enough prayers of praise and thanksgiving in the Prayer Book.  Here is Bishop Reynold's response:

The General Thanksgiving

Almighty God, Father of all mercies, 

we your unworthy servants give you humble thanks 

for all your goodness and loving-kindness 

to us and to all whom you have made.  

We bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life; 

but above all for your immeasurable love 

in the redemption of the world by our Lord Jesus Christ; 

for the means of grace, and for the hope of glory.  

And, we pray, give us such an awareness of your mercies, 

that with truly thankful hearts we may show forth your praise, 

not only with our lips, but in our lives, by giving up ourselves to your service, 

and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days; 

through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, 

be honor and glory throughout all ages. Amen.