I am currently in the midst of my church’s annual 21-day consecration in which we dedicate ourselves to fasting, increased prayer, and study of the word of God. As is always the case when it comes to fasting, it brings to mind what you can and can’t eat and sometimes puts the fastee in danger of over-indulging on that which they can eat in order to substitute for that which they can’t. I know this too well because I am living it. I am forever tempted to overdose on broccoli, cashews, oatmeal and the other healthier options since I can’t have my Tostitos, cookies, and cupcakes. But this fast is about self control for God’s sake. It has been said that obedience is better than sacrifice, but in this case, I feel that sacrificing IS what is necessary in order for me to be obedient to God. This season leading up to Thanksgiving brings into view the concept of self control. There will be food and drink flowing like water in 3 week’s time and it will take everything in us to eat and drink in moderation. And this isn’t just about food. We can be in danger of being excessive in many areas of our lives, but all of those areas will affect us in some way. So today’s Thanksgiving prayer is for self control.

Heavenly Father,

We thank you for this season of harvest that you have us in. A season that will be full of delicious food and drink. A season that will be full of wonderful family and friends. A season that will be full to the brim with the possibilities you set before us. But in all of these things I pray for self control. Self control while we are enjoying are enjoying the delicious foods of the season. The turkey, the pecan pies, the pumpkin lattes, the egg nog and every other seasonal food that you will put before us. Let us remember to eat and drink in moderation and do it all to your glory. Self control in the way we spend money so that we will not live outside of our means. Let us be good stewards over our financial resources. Let us trust in you and your hand of provision and remember that you supply all of our needs according to your riches in glory. Even as we look toward the day after Thanksgiving when every store will have deep discounts and sales to draw us in, may we be controlled in our spending and in our behavior remembering that our ability to control ourselves can affect someone else’s life. This is a season were excess can tempt us, but help us not to be lead astray. Let us be controlled in all we do remembering that self control is a fruit of the spirit. Give us the spirit of self control from this day forward. In Jesus’ Name, Amen