Giving thanks to God can be helpful in times of need

November 15, 2003

For three years I had the honor of serving as second reader at the Christian Science Church in Nashua. We don’t have ordained ministers or priests as many other denominations. Instead, two members of the church are elected to read the weekly Bible Lesson from the podium to the congregation. The first reader reads from Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy, and the second reader reads from the King James version of the Bible.

Every Sunday, before I stood up to read at our church, I would recite “A Reader Prays,” by Grace K. Sticht, published in the 1947 Christian Science Sentinel. It reads in part:

“Lord, bless the ones who gather here today,

Who reach out for the truth to make them free.

For each heart filled with suffering or dismay, must drop its burdens, healed while praising thee.”

I always loved the line, “ . . . healed while praising thee.” To me, that it is possible to be healed simply by praising God is the most wonderful promise in the world.

But why not? What power comes to each of us when we can stop and honor our divine creator, our Father/Mother God.

Many of the Bible’s prophets gave God thanks before they performed wonderful deeds.

I’ve also found healing and peace in the expression of gratitude. Perhaps the most recent example of that came when I experienced sharp pains in my hands and couldn’t pick up my 20-month-old daughter. My husband was working an incredible amount of overtime and I was trying to meet a deadline for my publisher. Instead of turning to God, I let myself feel burdened and resentful. Even though I prayed in the manner that I learned through Christian Science, nothing completely erased the problem. But no wonder. I found myself complaining to everyone I met.

A friend kindly reminded me that divine love, another name for God, takes care of our every need. I realized that I needed to rely upon God for help instead of myself, my husband or any other external resource. I also needed to express Him through more love and patience.

The healing finally came when I stopped rehearsing all the troubles in my life and took the time to thank God for all that He/She has already provided.

I love my husband and child without measure. How could love be a burden? I love to bring stories to life. How could something that brings such joy cause such stress?

Every time I was tempted to complain, I shut my mouth and silently gave thanks to God instead. Over a period of a few weeks, I was completely free, and remain so today.

Gratitude reaches beyond denominations and religious boundaries. It doesn’t require you to attend church or follow any religious tradition or ceremony. It only asks that you look away from yourself to a greater, all-loving power.

The Nashua Area Interfaith Council warmly invites you to come and praise God at the Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service on Monday, Nov. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Nashua’s “Mosaics” Interfaith Chorale will celebrate in song along with others. A special offering will be collected.

The event will be held this year at Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 777 W. Hollis St., in Nashua. All are invited.

Updated 07/21/2006 11:41 PM