Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one loaf, we, who are many, are one body, for we all share the one loaf.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise his holy name. … Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. … Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven. … Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding your servants the prophets and your people who revere your name, both great and small.

Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God for ever and ever. Amen!

Pi 3:1; 1Co 10:16-17; Pi 4:4-7; Ps 97:12, Ha 3:18, Mt 5:12, Ro 12:12; Re 11:16-18; Re 7:12

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.