Day 31 - Go to work on a prayer

Turning to God in prayer is the first thing we need to do when we wake each morning. But often we get a plan and then remember to turn to Him. Prayer is pushed down the priority list as we rush into the day, getting children to school, getting ready for work, everyday chores take over. No wonder things go wrong, and we look back on the day and feel that we haven’t achieved what we had hoped to.

We can also get ‘bogged down’ and overwhelmed by negativity that can swamp us and take over our thoughts and energies. So today, I hope this prayerful reflection helps you to start your day in thankful prayer, giving thanks to God and with a positivity that only God can bring us and sustain us with.

I am using the hymn ‘Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart’ written by Henry Smith to help guide my thoughts. So let us start today with positivity, calmness and with the peace we can only feel when we turn to God.

Give thanks with a grateful heart,

Lord, I don’t always acknowledge my gratitude to you, so this morning I come to you giving thanks with a grateful heart. I have so much to be grateful for. I thank you for (add the things you want to give thanks for).

Give thanks to the Holy One;

Lord, You have given me everything that I could possibly need and I come as I am to worship you, to honour you, and to thank you sincerely from the bottom of my heart.

Give thanks because he’s given Jesus Christ, His Son.

Lord, I can never give you more than you have given me. You gave us your Son, the ultimate sacrifice, given freely and without strings attached. I cannot fully understand or appreciate the sacrifice you made, as its gravity is so immense.

And now let the weak say, ‘I am strong’,

Lord, at times my strength seems to leave me, and I feel weak - physically, emotionally and spiritually lacking. But at these times, when I ask you for help, you answer my prayers. Thank you for giving me the strength I need to deal with life, with all its ups and downs, its challenges and successes.

Let the poor say, ‘I am rich’,

Lord, at times when the money doesn’t stretch enough remind me that earthly riches are not what your kingdom is about. Teach me that I am truly rich by knowing you, in being able to turn to you and gain strength and love from You, and You alone.

Because of what the Lord has done for us;

Lord, You have done so much for me in my life and you have given me so many opportunities for which I am so grateful. (Add things you want to highlight). I can never name all the things you have done for me because the list is endless. You are a generous selfless God whose love has no boundaries.

Give thanks...

Lord, I am forever indebted to you, and give you my thanks and praise, now and forever. Amen.

Kathy Shaw