By Even the introductory comments in the letters of the Bible are filled with the Holy Spirit’s inspired instruction for us. The opening comments in 1 Thessalonians are a model of Christian thanksgiving.
We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers, remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:2-3
Every Christian practises Christian thanksgiving when …
… the thanksgiving is expressed primarily to God,
We give thanks to God
… the thanksgiving is a regular and consistent habit,
We give thanks to God always … constantly
… the thanksgiving is for all believers—the weak and the strong,
We give thanks to God always for all of you
… the thanksgiving is mentioning the specific individuals and issues, and
constantly mentioning you in our prayers,
… the thanksgiving is being inspired by spiritual realities.
remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labour of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
This is a spiritual discipline of the mature. To train oneself in this, select a few saints by name to thank God for. Then consider what specific work of faith, labour of love, and steadfastness of hope is evident in their life and inspiring thanksgiving. When you’ve thanked God for them in those particulars, select a few other saints by name, and repeat this until you’ve created a constant habit of thanksgiving for the specific saints in your life and the spiritual work they evidence.