Giving thanks to God for God’s goodness

One of the theological threads running throughout the Psalms is giving thanks to God for God’s goodness. Remembering all God’s benefits and blessings including forgiveness, healing, salvation, provision, love and compassion (Psalm 103).

Our liturgies reflect this attitude of gratitude too. The Book of Common Prayer’s General Thanksgiving begins: ‘Almighty God, Father of all mercies, we thine unworthy servants do give thee most humble and hearty thanks for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all…..’ A wide-ranging prayer exhorting us to thank God for creation, everyday blessings, salvation, God’s present help and future hope of eternal glory. It encourages us to rediscover the centrality of gratitude in our lives, as well as in our words.

Throughout the Autumn, our worship and teaching emphasises gratitude. The giving of ourselves in love and service when gratitude flows out of our hearts in response to everything God has first given us.

Celebrating harvest and God’s faithful provision, we will reflect upon all those who partner with God in feeding and caring for the needs of the disadvantaged and marginalised. We will share the resources at our disposal supporting foodbanks, community projects, missionary organisations and charities. Many churches will hold stewardship days or giving campaigns, helping us take seriously our commitment to discipleship and good stewardship giving generously out of gratitude for God ‘s abundant generosity to us.

October 11th marks Clergy Appreciation Day. Jody Stowell, a rural parish priest, in her book Bruised Reeds and Mustard Seeds (2026, Canterbury Press) talks about the impact on clergy wellbeing when clergy are unsure whether they have done a good job. October is an opportunity to address that concern offering affirmation, encouragement and positive feedback to the clergy we know.

And, if you are serious about supporting our clergy, you might like to encourage your PCC to review their pledged giving to Common Fund as every penny that is asked for is needed to sustain our current staffing. The 2027 diocesan budget goes to Diocesan Synod for approval this month and we need to work together to ensure the finance is available to continue to resource the vital ministry of our clergy.

‘And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ (Colossians 3:17)

The Ven. Nicky Fenton
Archdeacon of Peak and Derbyshire Dales