When author Lynne M. Baab interviewed dozens of people for her book on fasting, a common theme emerged. Everyone she spoke to said that they fast with others for the sake of support and mutual encouragement. Baab realized their intentional approach to fasting in community could be transferred to another spiritual discipline: prayer. Specifically, she realized, prayers of gratitude.
“We can pray thankfulness prayers much longer with others because they see God’s beauty in places we haven’t observed,” writes Baab. “So we find ourselves seeing more of God’s gifts.”
As we gather with friends or family this Thanksgiving season, let’s consider what it may sound like to hear statements of God’s beauty from others. Maybe its through prayers before the meal or during responses to “what are you thankful for this year?” Perhaps it’s just a conversation with your aunt or neighbor over a cup of coffee and piece of pie.
Just as deep fellowship and gratitude abound in those who fast and pray together, may they do the same in us as we feast with one another.
