We have come to use the phrase ‘giving thanks’ almost interchangeably with saying a prayer. Perhaps this rings most true around the dinner table. 

Origins for it could be linked to Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." Not only does this spell out who we give thanks to, God the Father, but it also helps us orient our prayers for what’s taking place. 

We pray in the name of Jesus. Since he has traded places with us on the cross, and we have been clothed in his righteousness, we come to God on his behalf. Jesus is our advocate, he gets us into the room. Apart from his right standing, we have no business going before God. 

And yet in him, we’re instructed to thank God for all our business. ‘Whatever you do, whether in word or deed’ - that’s a nice way of saying ‘all of your life.’ We’re to give thanks for all that God gives us. It’s all a gift.