1. Whereas, it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and,
Whereas, both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness;”
Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the twenty-sixth day of November next to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our service and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation...
The first Thanksgiving Proclamation of the United States,
October 3, 1789, issued by George Washington

2. Psa.92:1– “It is a good thing to give thanks unto Jehovah, And to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High.”
Psa.50:23– “Whoso offereth the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifieth me.”
Col.3:15– “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to the which also ye were called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Eph.5:3,4– “… but rather giving of thanks.”

3. Rom. 6:17,18; 1 Cor. 15:56,57; 1 Tim. 1:12-14; 2 Thess. 2:13,14; Col
1 Pet.5:6,7; Phil.4:6; 1 Cor.10:13; 2 Cor.2:14; Gal.5:16,25; Rom.8:14
2 Cor.2:14; Rom.12:1; 6:12,13; 1 Tim.1:15,16
1 Thess.2:13; Acts 17:11

4. Eph.1:15-ff; Phil.1:3-5; 4:15,16; 2 Thess.1:3
Jn.6:11; Matt.15:36; Mk.8:6; Matt.26:27; Acts 27:35; 1 Tim.4:3-5
Eph.5:20; 1 Thess.5:16-18; Jas.1:17; Rom.1:20,21