A Prayerful Thanksgiving Feast

Perhaps one of America’s happiest feast days is Thanksgiving, a time when family and friends gather around to enjoy friendship….and feasting. For the hosts or hostesses who are prepping the meal, it’s best to get started at least the day before. That means cooking side dishes and the dessert ahead of time. For example, chop up produce, bake desserts, and ready side dishes like mashed potatoes and appetizers on the menu. That makes the festive day less frantic so the family can welcome guests without feeling overwhelmed.

And why is early meal prep so important? Because primarily Thanksgiving is a day to give thanks to all of one’s blessing and to understand that God is present in one’s life. Offering prayers to God and to family is a magnificent way to draw one’s heart closer to God. Indeed, saying prayers throughout Thanksgiving Day—and other days as well—brings God closer to one’s heart.

The Thanksgiving setting that brings family and friends to the feasting table makes a prefect time for all to reflect on the past year and its blessings. First, saying grace is the important way to start the time of reflection and a way to express gratitude for all that God has given us. Say the following:

Bless Us, O Lord

And these Thy gifts

Which we are about to receive,

Through Thy bounty

Through Christ our Lord we pray.

Amen.

*For those hosting the day, consider taking the following steps after saying grace, blessing those at the table, and before serving the meal:  Ask guests, one at a time, to consider their blessings of the past year.

*Pick a collective prayer, one that everyone can prayer together as a foundation for their gratitude. Consider chanting or reciting the Te Deum.

*Think about the unity of the family and friends gathered together.at the table. Then ask God for His continued guidance and support for each person.

By following this procedure, you will give each person a prayerful experience that will honor them. At the end of the meal and before all guests depart, have them join in praying Psalm 100:

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Turkey a la King

4 servings

(Note: recipe donor is Kate Shungu).

As the Ms. Shungu noted, “This easy 15-minute dinner is perfect for leftover turkey or chicken!”

And a recipe that includes the word “king” is a devout way of praising Christ the King.

3 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons flour

1½ cups milk

½–¾ teaspoon salt*

⅛ teaspoon nutmeg

2 tablespoons chopped pimentos

3 cups cooked turkey or chicken, chopped

For garnish: chopped parsley

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and let cook for 30 seconds.

Pour in the milk and whisk until combined. Let cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly.

Stir in the salt and nutmeg. Then stir in the pimentos and turkey. Let cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the ingredients are warmed through.

Serve over egg noodles, rice, or on top of toast.