Faith Formation: "Prayerful Statements of Gratitude to God"

As difficult as the current reality is in the world, one silver lining is that it highlights the ideal that we need to live to celebrate life not only with a sense of intentionality but with a grateful or thankful heart.  This calls us to be present in our lives and celebrate what we have in the present.  We also need to be reminded in different ways of how vital a positive soul and thankful heart can be in our lives. 

We have so much to be grateful for in this life . . . each and every day! But reality is that sometimes our demands, struggles, and worries detract from our ability to express a heart of thanks. Or often we forget, in the midst of busy days, schedules and pressures, just to pause and give thanks, for all that God has done, and continues to do in our lives. Though we may be faced with some challenging moments, we need to be in awe of God’s grace with the wonderful world that He created with us in mind!  Just think of the ordinary things to be grateful for . . .

Below is one of my favourite reflections, "Prayerful Statements of Gratitude to God", which is a powerful reminder of our spiritual response to God’s myriad of blessings which are often disguised in a variety of ways.

  

Thank you, God for the times You have said "no." They have helped me depend on You so much more.

Thank you, God, for unanswered prayer. It reminds me that You know what's best for me, even when my opinion differs from Yours.

Thank You, Lord, for the things you have withheld from me. You have protected me from what I may never realize.

Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented me from going where You would rather not have me go.

Thank you, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in my life. It has helped me more closely relate to Your sufferings on my behalf.

Thank you, Lord, for the alone times in my life. Those times have forced me to lean in closer to You.

Thank you, God, for the uncertainties I've experienced. They have deepened my trust in You.

Thank You, Lord, for the times You came through for me when I didn't even know I needed a rescue.

Thank You, Lord, for the losses I have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are my greatest gain.

Thank You, God, for the tears I have shed. They have kept my heart soft and mold-able.

Thank You, God, for the times I haven't been able to control my circumstances. They have reminded me that You are sovereign and on the throne.

Thank You, God, for those people in my life whom You have called home to be with You. Their absence from this earth keeps my heart longing for heaven.

Thank You, God, that I have an inheritance in the heavenly places...something that this world can never steal from me and I could never selfishly squander.

Thank You, God, for the greatest gift You could ever give me: forgiveness through Your perfect Son's death on the cross on my behalf.

Thank You, God, for the righteousness You credited toward me, through the death and resurrection of Jesus. It's a righteousness I could never earn or attain on my own.

Thank You, Father, that You know me, You hear me, and You see my tears. Remind me through difficult times that You are God, and You are there.

In reflecting on these powerful words, I have come to realize we have a choice to give Him thanks. And with a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situations and help us through our problems. He changes our hearts. His power, through a heart of gratitude and attention on Him, releases the hold our struggles have over us. In return, we are strengthened and replenished by His peace. Our individual and collective influence, and their abundant rewards, is highlighted in the following prayer: 

Such is the message in the following beautiful song “You Say” by Christian pop artist Lauren Daigle. In her own words, Lauren provided clarity on the song’s message, “This song for me was just a reminder of identity. It was a reminder that when I’m weak He is strong. So how do I change that and bring that into my everyday life? When I feel inadequate how is it that there’s always these moments where I feel like God just steps in and supersedes my inadequacies…. Don’t get buried in confusion, in the waywardness just remember to stay the course.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI - Lauren Daigle – “You Say”

                         

In closing, our daily lives are filled with many reminders of how God’s grace fills our lives with hope, blessings and strength.  It also reminds us of how vital a thankful heart can be in our lives and how we never should take our relationship with God for granted. We are endowed and blessed with the opportunity of sharing this “attitude of spiritual gratitude” with the children, families and colleagues among us.  And yes, there are times when we need support and extra care. While we can find it through friends, family, peers and colleagues, we often need reminders that God is also there when we let Him journey with us.  In prayer with Him we find a moment of “exhale”, solace and a simplicity that reminds us that matters get sorted out in His time and way. Let us be aware of this and give “thanks” as we continue on our spiritual journey throughout the remainder of Lent and beyond.

Blessings and “gratitude”