Day 281

Of Religious Worship and the Sabbath Day.

Chapter 22, Paragraph 5.

“…and thanksgivings, upon special occasions, ought to be used in an holy and religious manner.”

Scripture Lookup

Exodus 15:1-19

Psalm 107

Reflection

There is a time when special religious services are appropriate. Fasting and thanksgiving are special parts of religious worship. There are times that call for deep prayer and supplication before the Lord, where we put aside those things that are lawful to more earnestly seek the Lord’s face. There are also times that call for joyous thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving should always be a part of our prayers, but there are occasions where thanksgiving should be the primary focus of our worship. In this time of thanksgiving we praise God especially for what He has done for us. The Israelites, after their deliverance from the Egyptians, paused and thanked God for how He cast the chariot and the driver into the sea. While we might not have such a miraculous deliverance from our enemies, there may be times when He delivers us from a great danger. There may be times of unprecedented blessing. Setting aside time to praise God specifically for those things are acceptable parts of religious worship.

Coming together as a church for a time of thanksgiving is an appropriate part of religious worship. When your church calls for such a time, prepare yourself through prayer for the service. As His redeemed people, we have much to be thankful for.

Questions to Consider

• Are you setting aside special times of thanksgiving?