As I sit here in the fading light reading about the history of your church, I find myself wondering about my ancestors. How did they come to know you through the Christian lens? Where were they as Christianity began to spread? Did they accept your word with open hearts, or did they resist knowing you through Jesus? These are questions I will likely never know the answer to. The history of my genetic family has faded like the light at the end of the day but you in invite me into a greater family. A family that connects all creation!
And so, I give thanks…
I give thanks for Adam and Eve who taught me to respect creation.
I give thanks for Abraham and Sarah who taught me to never give up hope.
I give thanks for Jacob who taught me it is okay to wrestle with my faith.
I give thanks for Ruth who taught me the gift of chosen family.
I give thanks for Jonah who taught me that I can serve you even when I am not my best self.
I give thanks for Job who taught me the importance of perseverance.
I give thanks for Elizabeth who taught me to care for those I love.
I give thanks for Mary who taught me to make you a priority in my life
and for Martha who taught me the value of hard work.
I give thanks for the hemorrhaging woman who taught me the healing power of faith.
I give thanks for Peter who taught me it is okay to fall short of the standards we set for ourselves.
I give thanks for Judas who taught me that our mistakes and hurtful action can be transformed by your love.
And most of all I give thanks for Jesus who taught me to follow you with my entire being.
God, I give thanks for all my ancestors…
…genetic and spiritual…
…known and unknown…
I give thanks for they way they shaped me into the person I am today through your steadfast love.
For the original Psalm visit https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+44&version=NRSV