Redeemer Bible Church : A Prayer of Thanksgiving

By Christa Harrison

If my life was a song, our church has been a high note. Of course, church life comes with challenges, but when I reflect on my nine years at Redeemer, I see a lot of good. In a desire to praise God for these things, I thought of the Beatitudes, of how beautifully those verses go together, and thought I’d make a prayer of my own in a similar format. A prayer of thanksgiving to God for the people who make up Redeemer, and I hope it will encourage you—to keep the faith and not grow weary in doing good. 

Find yourself in this prayer. I thank God for you!

Blessed are the greeters, even those not officially scheduled. You bless us when we walk in weary, unsure, or insecure. Your welcoming face says, “There’s a place for you here!”

Blessed are the nursery workers. You see a lot of crazy. Whether it’s bathroom accidents or screaming tantrums, your patient teaching of the truth in the Word is appreciated.

Blessed are the friends who randomly text encouragements and prayers—those who call and leave voicemails that don’t need to be returned. Being thought of and remembered are ways of showing you care.

Blessed are my babysitters. You started as young teenagers who I entrusted with my kids, and now you’re my friends. Thank you for loving my children and entering into my messy, crazy home and loving us anyway.

Blessed are those in my Titus 2 group. I am blessed by you through fellowship, friendship, and study. I also love the shared desserts and the time we dashed outside to see the Northern Lights. You truly feel like family.

Blessed are the pastors and elders of our church. Their consistent meetings, constant communication with each other, and willingness to show up for people whenever they’re needed are just a small picture of how they serve our body.

Blessed are those who give: gift cards, meals, free babysitting, free house cleaning, cards of encouragement (who doesn't love getting notes in the mail?!), hockey and baseball tickets, and birthday gifts for our kids. We’ve been given so much!

Blessed are those older than me. I no longer need my parents the way my kids still need me, but I need insight and wisdom from you all who, along with my parents, fulfill this role. Thank you for being a phone call away. 

Blessed are the skilled crafters, gardeners, and homemakers. You have skills to pass down and amazing stories of your past to share. I’ve been quilting for years with one of the lovely members of our church! 

Blessed are the models of good marriages among us. The way I see spouses loving and serving each other is better than any Hallmark movie!

Blessed are the musicians of the church. What amazing instruments and voices you have to help us make such a beautiful, joyful noise to the Lord! I know those early morning practices are a sacrifice! 

Blessed are those who pray, and who cry out to God on my behalf and others in our church body. I want to be more like you. 

And so, thank you, Lord, that I see Christ in so many here at Redeemer. There are so many people pointing me to You. Continue this work, Lord!