Thanks for Giving

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing… ♬

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.
^{President George Washington}

Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.
^{Psalm 33:12}

O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!
^{Psalm 8:9}

Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. ² Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. ^{Psalm 48:1-2}

♪ Come, thou Fount of every blessing tune my heart to sing thy grace
Streams of mercy, never ceasing call for songs of loudest praise. ♬

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. ² Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. ³ Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. ⁴ Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. ⁵ For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations. ^{Psalm 100}

Lift up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the Lord. ^{Psalm 134:2}

In every thing give thanks. ^{1 Thessalonians 5:18}

Whatsoever things are true
Whatsoever things are honest
Whatsoever things are just
Whatsoever things are pure
Whatsoever things are lovely
Whatsoever things are of good report
If there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things. ^{Philippians 4:8}

If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. ^{2 Chronicles 7:14}

♬ …Thy name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

The Pilgrims of Plymouth
Good intentions being good for nothing, “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need” had unintended consequences.