It is one of the most common mealtime prayers, “For the blessings we are about to receive, we give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.” I’ve always liked this prayer. Most gratitude is expressed after the fact. We receive, taste, experience, and then decide whether to give thanks. In this prayer, gratitude is expressed even before the food touches our tongues. It is a forward-looking, faithful, anticipatory word of thanksgiving. It is this prayer I want to leave with you.
For the blessings we are about to receive, we give God thanks. I am grateful for the scholarship, compassion, experience, and heart of Dr. Tony Hopkins. Jenna Manning (Church Operations Coordinator) and I spent a day with Tony last week. I cannot imagine a better person to lead First Baptist through this interim period. I am grateful for the unified, care-full, insightful leadership of our church’s staff. I am grateful for each congregant’s (that’s you) continued commitment to the mission and ministry of this church. You are about to enjoy a wonderful chapter of transition, growth, and expansion with new expressions of God’s Spirit among you. I am grateful for every card, letter, email, text, visit and gift you will be sending my way. I look forward to hearing from you, sharing with you, and continuing this journey of ministry God has given to us. We will forever be connected in the family and work of the faith.
If you would like to stay in touch in the future, here is my contact information:
Jim Dant
1367 18th Ave
San Francisco, CA 94122
Nineteenth Avenue Baptist Church
Facebook Live Broadcast
Sunday, 11:00 am PST (2:00 pm EST)
For the blessings we are about to receive, we give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.
—Jim