Martin Rinckart wrote this hymn as a mealtime prayer for his children. Despite terrible suffering from war and famine, Rinckart was able to give thanks to God for His overflowing gifts. Such Christian thanksgiving is found in the heart and shows forth into the voice and hands as well. God is the One who knits us together in our mothers’ wombs, and He is the One who guides us in the way, His Son, Jesus. We pray that He would bless us bounteously, not only according to the 4th Petition, but according to all His gifts promised in the Lord’s Prayer. With the confidence of His promise, we give thanks to God, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and forever. Rev. Stephen Preus, pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton, IA, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study LSB 895, “Now Thank We All Our God.” To learn more about Trinity in Vinton, visit trinitylcmsvinton.org.“Songs and Thankfulness and Praise” is a mini-series on Sharper Iron that studies a variety of hymns of thanksgiving from Lutheran Service Book. Thanksgiving is a way of life for Christians as we realize that all gifts come from God’s fatherly love for us. In times of joy and sorrow, we return our thanks to Him for His never-ending goodness and mercy. Sharper Iron, hosted by Rev. Timothy Appel, looks at the text of Holy Scripture both in its broad context and its narrow detail, all for the sake of proclaiming Christ crucified and risen for sinners. Two pastors engage with God's Word to sharpen not only their own faith and knowledge, but the faith and knowledge of all who listen. Submit comments or questions to: [email protected]