A prayer of gratitude for the blessings of life

Have you ever woken up every morning with more problems? Like they're waiting for you to open your eyes, so they can grab all your attention at the start of your day? Problems can consume us. Steal our energy. But in the process of handling the many issues that come our way, we may not realize the effect they have on our attitudes.

Focusing on life's problems can lead to frustration, discouragement, or even despair. One way to ensure that problems don't overshadow the blessings in our life is to give thanks. Tackling one problem after another leaves me with a scant list of gratitude. But I can always find things to fill that list, even when my life seems full of problems.

“… To thank in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you ”. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV

We know the old saying: "Count your blessings". It's something many of us learned at a young age. However, how often do we stop and proclaim the things we are thankful for? Especially in today's world, where have complaining and arguing become a way of life?

 

Paul gave the church in Thessalonica a guide to help them live abundant and fruitful lives under whatever circumstances they encountered. He encouraged them to “give thanks in all circumstances…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV) Yes, there would be trials and difficulties, but Paul had learned the power of gratitude. He knew this precious truth. In the worst moments of life, we can still discover the peace and hope of Christ by counting our blessings.

It's easy to let thoughts of all that go wrong cover up the many things that go right. But it only takes a moment to find something we're thankful for, however small it may seem. A simple pause to thank God for that one thing amidst challenges can change our outlook from discouraged to hopeful. Let's start with this prayer of gratitude for life's blessings.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thanks for the blessings in my life. I confess that I have not stopped thanking you for the many ways you have blessed me. Instead, I let problems take over my attention. Forgive me, Lord. You deserve all the gratitude I can give and so much more.

Each day seems to bring more problems, and the more I focus on them the more discouraged I get. Your word teaches me the value of gratitude. In Psalm 50:23 you proclaim: “He who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to those who rightly order their way I will show God's salvation! “Help me remember this incredible promise and make gratitude a priority in my life.

Starting each day to thank you for the blessings of life will renew my attitude towards problems that occur. Gratitude is a powerful weapon against discouragement and despair. Strengthen me, Lord, to resist distractions and fully focus on your goodness. Thank you for the greatest gift of all, your son Jesus Christ.

In his name, Amen