William Burkitt on Ephesians 5:20

The next duty St. Paul exhorts to, is that of spiritual thanksgiving.

Where note, 1. The time when it ought to be performed: always; that is, at least every day, and upon every solemn occasion, keeping the heart continually in a praising, as well as a praying, frame.

Note, 2. The matter for which we are to give thanks: For all things; that is,

1. For all providences, whether prosperous or adverse; for sickness as well as health, God intending our good for both.

2. For all mercies, for sparing mercy, preventing mercy, recovering mercy, for common benefits, for peculiar and distinguishing favours, for mercies received, for mercies expected, for what we have in hand, and what we have in hope.

Note, 3. The Person to whom our thanksgivings are to be offered: to God and the Father, to God our Creator, to God as the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and our Father in him.

Note, 4. The person through whom our thanksgivings are acceptable unto God: In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. As all spiritual addresses, both of praise and thanksgiving, must be offered up to God; so their acceptance with God is only to be expected by or through our Lord Jesus Christ.