Gratitude is worship. That phrase has stuck with me for 30 years since my time at Columbia Bible College and a well-spoken chapel message by Dr. Johnny Miller. I’m grateful that at this stage in life I can even remember something from 30 years ago—what a blessing as I look forward to Thanksgiving Day! Too often, Thanksgiving here in the United States is seen as just another “holiday” (and sometimes as another opportunity for stress—just ask the turkey).

But this special day is intended to be more than turkey or football or just another holiday. It’s a day to worship the One who created us and has blessed us every single day, every single year.

In 1789, George Washington issued his Thanksgiving Proclamation to the American people, reminding them how vital it is to set aside a special day for worship with grateful hearts.

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor…a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:

Now…I do…assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be….

And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions…to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best…the third day of October, A.D. 1789. (signed) G. Washington

Here at ICR, we are grateful to our Creator for His abundant provision through the generous support and intercessory prayers of folks just like you. Our mission is to communicate the wondrous message of Him who made us to a world headed toward destruction. Your partnership with us keeps our ministry on track and thriving as we venture into new areas of communication.

One of those initiatives is ICR’s new show called That’s a Fact—a series of short video programs designed to teach one creation truth in two minutes or less. These programs are fun and informative, and point viewers (especially our younger generations) to our Creator. Check out these new programs at www.icr.org/thats-a-fact.

And don’t forget to share ICR with others by email or over dinner or through one of the many new social media sites like Facebook (www.facebook.com/icr.org) or Twitter (@ICRscience). Each time you pass along an ICR video or article or radio broadcast, you’re getting the message of Genesis into the hands of those who need it most.With grateful hearts, Happy Thanksgiving!

* Mr. Ford is Executive Editor at the Institute for Creation Research.

Cite this article: Ford, L. 2011. With Grateful Hearts. Acts & Facts. 40 (11): 3.