Amidah - part 17 - Thanksgiving

What do we give thanks for each day?

We thankfully acknowledge that You are the L-rd our G‑d and G‑d of our fathers forever. You are the strength of our life, the shield of our salvation in every generation. We will give thanks to You and recount Your praise, evening, morning and noon, for our lives which are committed into Your hand, for our souls which are entrusted to You, for Your miracles which are with us daily, and for Your continual wonders and beneficences. You are the Beneficent One, for Your mercies never cease; the Merciful One, for Your kindnesses never end; for we always place our hope in You.

1. We are grateful for having a G*d that is steadfast - forever!
2. Strength of our life
3. Our lives
4. Our souls
5. Everyday miracles
6. Mercy and kindness

Pretty open-ended, eh?  Gratitude is not to be limited to a finite list.  (1) and (2) come into play when we need perseverance in the face of adversity.  (3) is a reminder of the preciousness of life itself.  I see (4) as referring to our children, who come through us but not from us. (5) reminds us to pay attention to the miracles of every day, from the timeless beauty of nature, to the timely wonders of modern technology.  Finally, (6) reminds us to notice mercy and kindness, not only G*d's, but in our fellow man.

And for all these, may Your Name, our King, be continually blessed, exalted and extolled forever and all time. And all living things shall forever thank You, and praise Your great Name eternally, for You are good. G‑d, You are our everlasting salvation and help, O benevolent G‑d. Blessed are You L-rd, Beneficent is Your Name, and to You it is fitting to offer thanks.