This year in Beyond the Weekend, journey through different biblical models of prayer—one each month. November’s focus is Thanksgiving: expressing gratitude to God.

Read: 1 Chronicles 16:1–36 | Listen: 1 Chronicles 16:1–36

Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. 1 Chronicles 16:8–9

The ark of the covenant makes its long-awaited arrival in Jerusalem, and joyful excitement is palpable (1 Chronicles 15). Israelites dance in the streets as David leads the people of God in collective prayer and praise for all God has done. Israel neglected the ark during Saul’s leadership (1 Chronicles 13:3). But now, David has brought it to Jerusalem, where it symbolizes God’s presence and reign among his people. In response, David appoints Asaph to lead the people in a song of thanks for God’s provision.

David’s joyful response to the work of God should also be the rhythm of our lives. Although the default tendency of our fallen hearts is to complain or grumble, God is always deserving of our gratitude. When we slow down enough to recall all that God has done for us, it should lead to our praise and thanks. He has not treated us as our sins deserve but has shown us mercy, grace, and kindness (Psalm 103:10–14). And it was this praise of God and his kindness that David wanted the nations to hear. Similarly, when we develop the habit of remembering and thanking God for all he has done for us, our gratitude should spill over into our conversations with others.

TODAY: Give God thanks for who he is and all that he has done. Take the opportunity this week to tell a close friend or family member about God’s faithfulness and the reasons for your thanksgiving.