How to Say Thanksgiving Day Prayers

Who should say Grace and how should they say a Prayer? These days you do not know what religion someone may practice or what belief system he or she has. With more religions surfacing to our awareness each passing year, what guidelines, if any, do we respect in each other and in our own religions? Thanksgiving dinners usually are full of families gathering. Although, a few families or even singles, who may not have family, may choose to invite strangers into their homes just out of the goodness of their heart. I was invited to a friend's home one year for Thanksgiving. I also was invited to say a prayer.

I am a Christian and have a strong belief in Jesus Christ, and God. My friends know this of me. My friend, and His mother invited me and my fiance and another friend over for Thanksgiving Day. There we were, all gathered around the table, ready to dig in. As we were all were at the table, my friend said. "Ok, Cara you're going to say a Prayer right?" There I was, put on the spot. I normally do not hold "prayer" meetings. I am not opposed to praying with others, but some of my friends do not participate in those types of situations. I should have been more comfortable around my close friends, but those types of "sharing" moments had not been shared much or even at all between us. Upon request, I did say a prayer from my heart, and prayed in a manner in which was how I usually pray to God.

There is absolutely, not one thing to be shy about with God, He is with you daily, and everywhere you go. The traditional time to say our prayers or grace has been believed to come right before we eat on Thanksgiving Day. There is no specific time for a Christian to say a Prayer. The Bible says to "pray without ceasing", (1 Thessalonians 5:17). I do not try to push my beliefs on others, unless others inquire or are in need, and then I may share my beliefs and teachings with them. I know it may be a touchy subject for some.

Some people may feel pressured on the "what should I say" moment during grace. I believe if you are asked to say a prayer for Thanksgiving or any other occasion, then say what comes natural. You ultimately should not be saying a prayer to impress others with your spirituality or knowledge thereof, but you are saying a prayer to give thanks for all that you have, for much or little. If you are Christian, you would thank God for all that you have and all the good things He has in store for you, and your friends and family.

Speak positive things of others, such as if, someone at the table may be sick and need healing, say Thank you Lord for healing that person. If someone else is waiting on a new job, say thank you Lord for providing a job to this person. You can go around the table and include every single person if you like, this way everyone feels included in your prayer and they know you have them in your thoughts and care for their good outcome, no matter what their need is. I do not think anyone would be opposed to receiving what they have been wanting or even possibly praying for.

Thanksgiving Prayers or saying Grace is ultimately about giving thanks. Every day we should be giving thanks for being able to spend one more day with our friends or family. I know for many families they may be enduring some economical hardship, or they may be in a different home this year that was not their original home last Thanksgiving. As much as that may be upsetting to you, think about all the other people in the world who have so much less than you do. Children have been living in garbage dumps for years and even on this Thanksgiving Day, just to find left over scraps to eat for their Thanksgiving dinner. I am not trying to turn this into a negative, but one should realize all the good things they do have, and be very thankful for that.

Whatever belief or religion or non- belief, you can find at least one thing to be thankful for, and always speak positive over your circumstances in Prayers and in life. Do not concern yourself with what others think, you should feel honored to say a Prayer for others, who knows if the words that you use during prayer may help to inspire others.