Devotion: Practicing Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Ephesians 1:15-19

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, and for this reason I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him, so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power.

I have to say, this is one of my favorite portions of scripture, and comes to mind often as I begin my Friday night prayers. You see I formed a habit years ago of “Friday Night Family Prayer.” This is the night where in the process of my nightly prayers I include my “list” of those I pray for. Pastor Larry Arganbright suggested this method during a children’s message years ago, that we use the fingers of our hands to help us know who and what to pray about. Each finger would represent a different group of people. As with most things taught to children, this helps me as well. Beginning with my thumb, I pray for forgiveness for my sins. Moving on to the next finger, I remember my immediate family, followed on the next finger by my aunt, cousins and their families. The next, my church family members, and finally those God brings me into contact with or think about daily.

As I remember with fondness the reason each person comes to mind often, such happiness brings tears of joy as I thank God they are part of my life. I pray that God will bring a constant renewing spirit to his relationship with each of them. And that they become “His” light in the world, in leading others to that relationship.

Although, I am forgetting to be grateful to the one that brings me these blessings. Forgetting to thank Him for these gifts. To thank Him for being the one I am most grateful for; my heavenly Father that knows me inside and out. For His love beyond reason. For His blessings that are endless. For His limitless mercy to me in spite of my shortcomings and failures. And for the opportunities He brings me to reflect His love and bring others to the knowledge of Jesus the Christ.

Abba Father, thank you this day for all you are to me! My comforter, my Savior, my source of happiness and my best friend. Please draw even closer to me this day and let me reflect your goodness and be aware of your presence beside me. Amen.

Written by Fran Baatz