How do you pray? Often my prayers slip into comfortable routines, predictable patterns, yet prayer is all around us – like our breath. So many different ways to talk with God are waiting to explore. The following is a part of a three-week series on prayer and its many forms. Come explore with me ways to address God when words are inadequate and let’s get to know God better by spending time with Him.
The more I pray with thankfulness, the more I realize the power in gratitude. I have read that love and gratitude are the two most powerful emotions for humans.
“If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” – Meister Eckhart
We are taught from childhood to say thank you, but as I get older I have discovered I never can fully thank God enough for all the blessings from Him.
Each night before sleep I pause and review the day: What am I most grateful for and what am I the least grateful for?
To be honest when I first began this form of prayer, I expected to spew lots of negative experiences and have to search deep for the good stuff each day. Surprisingly, the opposite occurred. Each night I was overwhelmed by the countless moments of blessings and often had to hunt and sometimes never find unpleasantries.
Thankfulness, counting your blessings, is powerful.
“Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.”
–Ruth Ann Schabacke
What are you most grateful for?
I am grateful for being able to wake up in the morning (or God’s restoration of my soul). I’m also grateful for family and I try to be grateful for everything that happens in my life, even if it’s bad.
Thanks for all your sharing. Colleen, congrats on the new grandchild. Aren’t they wonderful? Would love to know more about your prayer web site as I am being called more and more into prayer.
traveling myself right now, home in a few days. one reason I have not responded or commented as much lately
I have been away welcoming a new grandchild into the world!! Thanks for these posts on prayer. I am working on a website on prayer and these are helpful. AND inspiring. I find that the more I remember to give thanks, the more gifts and blessings I notice in my life.
Good ideas Jeanie. Grateful for so many things. Right now, that all my children know the Lord.
I really like your practice of reviewing what you are most grateful for (and least) at day’s end as part of your prayers. That’s a good way to get your heart moving in the right direction.
What am I grateful for: today, this beautiful summer day in Nebraska!