American Reformation Church Prayer Journal 46
ARC Prayer Meeting
Psalm 107:8-9: "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."
As Fall turns to Winter, it signals for the Thomas Nation and I’m sure for many others, “The most wonderful time of the year.” Raising 13 children on the frontline of the battle, it was this season of time our hearts turned more conscientiously towards God, our family, and certain traditions we developed through the years to celebrate the holidays.
We were poor, but we made sure we invested heavily in Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some of our fondest memories as a family took place during this time of year. Everyone participated, worked, sowed, and invested time, effort, and resources to make it special. I personally have treasured this in my heart and am so grateful to God for his bountiful blessings experienced by our family through the years.
Our opening passage from the book of Psalms could very well be a portion of Scripture that aptly applies to our distinct American Holiday, Thanksgiving. The hardship, adversity, persecution, and uncertainty that accompanied our Pilgrim forefathers and foremothers as they journeyed to the New World were epic on many levels.
God’s sustaining grace and their gritty faith kept them through harsh conditions, sickness, death, and massive failures as they attempted to advance the Gospel of the Kingdom in the New World. Undeterred, they pressed on and their diligence, perseverance, and faith did not falter and the Lord rewarded them with a bountiful harvest that led to the first official Thanksgiving celebration in America.
Pilgrim chronicler Edward Winslow, wrote:
“Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
Brethren, as we come together tomorrow night, Wednesday, 11/13/24, let’s keep these truths front and center as we seek the Lord through our prayers and intercessions. Hope to see you there.
