Giving Thanks as a Communal Practice

The grateful soul of the wise person is the true altar of God.

- Philo of Alexandria (first century A.D.)

There’s a connection between giving thanks and being aware of God’s presence. As the wise Jewish leader, Philo pointed out, God dwells particularly close to the grateful soul.

In the New Testament, Paul picks up the same theme. Note here that God is not just dwelling in the individual heart, but in the community that is grateful:

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. - Colossians 3:16

Do you and your friend group have ways of expressing gratitude together? How about you and your family group? Are there ways you might consider growing in gratitude together with someone else? Consider some simple practices like:

• Giving thanks at meals together.

• Set up a daily time to text gratitudes to a friend.

• At bed time list three things out loud to roommates or family members that you’re grateful for during the day.

• A practice of your own design…