“Thanks, man.”

Years ago I was listening to a Pastor speak about a young man that he knew. This young man had a very troubled life full of drugs and alcohol, but Pastor Russ and his wife regularly invited him over for dinner at their home.

The young man eventually succumbed to the conviction of the Holy Spirit as Gods Word was regularly presented and the Gospel repeatedly explained. That young man gave his heart to the Lord one night and he got saved!

Shortly afterward, when he was invited to dinner again, Pastor Russ asked the young man if he’d like to say grace before they began eating. He agreed and bowed his head, offering one of the most powerful prayers I’ve ever heard.

“God……thanks, man.”

Why does this story bring tears to my eyes every time I hear it? It doesn’t have any of the elements most people would want in a “standard prayer of thanksgiving.” There is no mention of the “Heavenly Father”, no mention of specific items he was thankful for, no mention of grace, no standard length, and no proper ending “in Jesus’ name”.

But it had everything it needed: a simple recognition that God had done something amazing in His heart and life, and it didn’t need a lot of words to describe. That simple “thanks” reached the heart of the Almighty perfectly, with no seminary degrees backing its delivery or assuring its arrival at the throne.

I never met this young man, but I know that his three-word prayer came from a heart of gratitude and appreciation. It’s not how long your prayer is that matters, nor your verbal acumen. It’s your sincerity and appreciation that God sees and hears.

Sometimes, the sunrise is so breathtaking that all you can do is stand there with your mouth agape, wondering how God can create such beauty. I’ve stood and stared in silence as the ocean slammed its foamy waves in front of a brilliant pink and orange sky. The only word to be uttered was, “Wow.” I think that young man was experiencing so much joy in the Lord that his mouth couldn’t find enough words to describe it.

That’s how I feel this year at Thanksgiving: simply amazed at His grace and goodness. I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving, and may you be awestruck at His blessings in your life!