An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 30

 

Today is our final day of our month long "An Attitude of Gratitude."  I hope you've enjoyed following my blog and have joined in with your own personal activities of gratitude.  As we prepare for Advent, may we continue to always have an attitude of gratitude.

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 107:8-9.  "Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things."

Gratitude Prayer:  Lord, we ask for your guidance when we are enduring times of wandering, and thank you for being with those in our lives who have walked away from you.  May our feet be set on the road to peace and righteousness, as we seek to remember all that you do with thanksgiving and gratitude in our hearts.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Thank a coach or mentor.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 29

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 118:28.  "You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you."

Gratitude Prayer: Dear God, you are our Alpha and Omega, our beginning and our end.  You remind us that when two or more are gathered, there You are.  May we all join together to praise You, exalt You, and thank You.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Thank a janitor.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 28

 

Today's scripture reading is Revelation 11:17.  “We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."

Gratitude Prayer: 

All praise and thanks to God
the Father now be given,
the Son and Spirit blest,
who reign in highest heaven
the one eternal God,
whom heaven and earth adore;
for thus it was, is now,
and shall be evermore. 

~Martin Rinkart, 1636

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Leave a thoughtful note for co-workers.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 27

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 69:30.   "I will praise God’s name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving."

Gratitude Prayer: Lord, may our worship not be confined to one day a week inside the building that we call "church." May we glorify you and praise you with our voices always.  And may our bodies always be a living sanctuary to you.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Donate toiletry items to a local shelter.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 26

 

Today's scripture reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.  "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Gratitude Prayer:  Lord, many times we forget and go straight to the "Lord, please give me..." part of our prayer.  May we remember that our prayers are our conversation with you and that this is the way you instruct us to pray continually.  Then, and only then, will we be able to rejoice always, pray continually, and in everything give thanks so that we CAN do your will.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Volunteer at a soup kitchen.

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 25

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 103:2.  "Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits."

Gratitude Prayer:  

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
to his feet your tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
evermore his praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!

~Henry Francis  Lyte, 1834

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Thank your mail delivery person with a thoughtful note or special gift.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 24

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 118:19-21 (MSG).  

Swing wide the city gates—the righteous gates!
    I’ll walk right through and thank God!
This Temple Gate belongs to God,
    so the victors can enter and praise. 

 Thank you for responding to me;
    you’ve truly become my salvation!

Gratitude Prayer: Gracious Father, as we turn our thoughts to preparing for the season of Advent and celebrating the royalty of your Son, Jesus Christ, may we enter into your presence as victors praising you that we are offered eternal salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ.  Yes!  Swing wide those gates so that we may boldly walk right through them and offer our thanksgiving to You!  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Deliver a meal or snack to your local Firehouse.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 23

 Happy Thanksgiving!

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 138:1.  "I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise."

Gratitude Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, today we set aside a time to be thankful.  May our blessings come from our heart so that we may join with the angels as they sing praises to you.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Find a police officer and tell them how much you appreciate them.

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 22

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 9:1.  I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.

Gratitude Prayer: O marvelous God, yes, you are extraordinary.  With my innermost being, I thank you.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Send a thoughtful and encouraging email to your child's teacher.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 21

Today's scripture reading is Job 2:9.  But I, with shouts of grateful praise, will sacrifice to you.  What I have vowed I will make good.  I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the Lord.’”

Gratitude Prayer:  Lord, today I pray for all of those who are struggling with their salvation.  May their hearts be softened so that they might hear your Word and receive your salvation today.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Look for an opportunity to be kind to a stranger.

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 20

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 118:24.  The Lord has done it this very day; let us rejoice today and be glad.

Gratitude Prayer: Lord, at the end of this very long, tiring, emotional day, thank you for the reminder that YOU have done it this very day.  And for that, I am thankful that you have stood by me and my family during the past five days.  And I thank you that you will continue to be with us each and every day.  I rejoice and I am glad.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Go for a walk and pick up trash that you see in your neighbors' yard.

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 19

 

Today's scripture reading is Job 1:21.  “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Gratitude Prayer:  Yahweh, thank you that you knew me before I was even born.  May I ever praise your name.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Compliment a random person today.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Days 17 & 18

Life gets in the way!  I'm dealing with a family crisis right now.  So today I'm doing two posts.  If it wasn't for this time of gratitude, it would be much more difficult to deal with this situation in my life.

 

 

 Day 17

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 95:2.  "Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."

Gratitude Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of music that you have given me.  May everyone know that they can worship with thanksgiving just by lifting you up with their voice.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Buy lunch for a co-worker.

 

 

Day 18

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 116:17.   "I will sacrifice a thank offering to you and call on the name of the Lord."

Gratitude Prayer: Today, Lord, my prayer is simple.  I lift to you my prayer of thanksgiving as my offering to you.  In Your name, I thank you for your blessings.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Text a friend to see if they need help with anything.

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 16

 

We've reach the 2nd half of the month of November.  How are you doing with your daily "Attitude of Gratitude?"

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 28:7.  "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.  My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him."

Gratitude Prayer:  Merciful God, thank you that you have heard my cry for mercy and that you continue to be my strength and my shield.  My heart is joyful and I praise you for always being by my side.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Volunteer to do an unpleasant task for someone.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 15

 

Today's scripture reading is 2 Corinthians 9:15.  "Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!"

Gratitude Prayer: Yes, Lord, your gift of grace is indescribable, unspeakable, and too wonderful for words.  You encourage us to give generously because of the gift you have given us -- our salvation through your Son, Jesus Christ.  And because of Your gift, we express our thanks to You.  May our hearts go out to You each and every day in gratitude and praise.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Text your pastor to tell them how much you appreciate them.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 14

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 30:12.  "...that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.  Lord my God, I will praise you forever."

Gratitude Prayer:  Blessed Lord, you have answered our prayers.  You encourage us day and night.  And even though we may be sad, you remind us that joy comes in the morning.  You turn our weeping and our sadness into dancing and wrap us with your joy, so that our hearts will sing out your praise.  Lord, may I always remember to not be silent but to praise you forever.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: On trash day, bring in your neighbor's trash bins.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 13

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 106:1.  Praise the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Gratitude Prayer: Hallelu Yah!  Thank you, Lord!  You are good.  You are enduring.  And You love me unconditionally!  Hallelu Yah!  Amen!

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Offer to help a sick or elderly friend or neighbor with yard work.

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 12

 

Today's scripture reading is 1 Timothy 6:6-8.  "But godliness with contentment is great gain.  For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that."

Gratitude Prayer:  Dear Lord, you have given me all that I need.  May I continue to pursue the fruit of the Spirit so that I may seek your Kingdom and righteousness and receive your blessings and eternal life through your Son Jesus Christ.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Thank an active-duty person that you know.

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 11

 

Today's scripture reading is James 1:17.  "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."

Gratitude Prayer: Radiant God, how wonderful that everything that is good and everything that is perfect comes from you!  May your light that shines down on all of creation continue to be the steady light that we follow each and every day.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Thank a Veteran for their service.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 10

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 136:26.  "Give thanks to the God of heaven.  His love endures forever."

Gratitude Prayer:  Enduring God, sometimes I just want to quit, go back to bed and put the covers over my head.  But thanks to you, I'm reminded that your love endures forever.  You never quit.  You never give up on me, so why should I give up on you!  I think I'll get up out of bed today and meet the day head on!  With Your love and help.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Leave your waitress/waitor a HUGE tip and a handwritten note of thanks.

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 9

 

Today's scripture reading is Colossians 4:2.  "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful." 

Gratitude Prayer: Lord, today's prayer is simple.  I will devote myself to you in prayer and will be watchful of your message for me today and be thankful.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Go for a walk and be intentional about smiling and saying hello to every person you pass.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 8

Today's scripture reading is Philippians 4:6-7 MSG.  "Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God’s wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It’s wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life."

Gratitude Prayer:  Lord, yes, I do fret too much.  And I know that instead of fretting, I should pray.  What a great visual -- "Let my petitions and praises shape my worries into prayers."  I know you know my every thought.  But I also know that in order to acknowledge my concerns, I have to let you know about them.  Today, Lord, unsettle me so that I can acknowledge for myself that everything is coming together for your good and your wholeness will come and settle me down.  I promise to put you at the center of my life instead of all my worries.  In your precious Son's name, I pray.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Compliment and thank the drive-thru cashier.

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 7

 

 

Today's scripture reading is Ephesians 5:20.  "Give thanks always to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Gratitude Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, once again we thank you for your unmerited grace.  We acknowledge that we do not deserve your grace but freely accept it in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, who mediates for us.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Compliment the cashier at the grocery store.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 6

 

 

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 100:4. "Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name."

Gratitude Prayer: 

O enter then His gates with praise,
approach with joy His courts unto;
praise, laud, and bless His name always,
for it is seemly so to do.

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
praise Him, all creatures here below;
praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;
praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!  Amen!

~William Kethe, 1561; Thomas Ken, 1674

Today's Gratitude RAK: Pay for the person behind you in the drive-thru.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 5

 

Today's scripture reading is Luke 17:19. Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Gratitude Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank you that you see the marginalized parts of me that I'm not willing to show.  Through your freely given gift of grace, my faith is made stronger.  May those who are feeling lowly today know your love for them that has made them well and saved by your grace.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Send a thoughtful text or message to your mom or dad.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 4

 

 

Today's scripture reading is Colossians 3:15.  "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful."

Gratitude Prayer:  Today you remind us that your peace, the peace that passes all understanding, resides in our hearts.  And the reason is because you command us to be peacemakers.  Lord, soften the hearts of those who are not seeking your will and lead them to be peacemakers in this world.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Do something special for your child.

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 3

 

Today's scripture reading is 1 Thessalonians 5:18.  "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Gratitude Prayer: Lord, so many times it's hard to endure the hard times of our lives.  But you have commanded us to give thanks in ALL circumstances.  Not because you want us to go through hard times, but because you have told us that you will walk side by side with us down this pathway called life.  For that, I am thankful.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Send a thoughtful text to a family member that you don't see very often.

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 2

So how are you doing with your month long Attitude of Gratitude?  I know this is only the 2nd day, but it's important to make carving out a time to center yourself at the beginning of the day and being intentional.  Today ask yourself, "What is my intention for today?"

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 107:1.  "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."

Gratitude Prayer:  Immortal God, thank you for being to me what you are each and every day -- good!  My heart overflows with thanksgiving and praise for your love that inhabits my heart and will stay with me forever.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK: Send a special text to your spouse/significant other.

 

 

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 1

An Attitude of Gratitude - Day 1

It's been a LONG time since I've blogged on a regular basis.  And it's been a LONG time since I doddled on a regular basis.  And it's been a LONG time since I committed to a daily devotional activity.  So what better time to renew my commitment than during the month of November.  I hope you'll join me for the next 30 days in an "Attitude of Gratitude."  I'll be using several resources.  The first one will be the daily scripture readings from Bible Journaling Ministries.  The second resource will be a resource I found that is like a Random Act of Kindness - except it's 30 Days of Gratitude and has a gratitude activity to do for each day of November.  **I usually do a RAK for Advent, but this year I'm going to add to it and do these Gratitude RAKs.

So let's get started...

Today's scripture reading is Psalm 105:1.  "Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done."

Gratitude Prayer:  Thank you, God, for being a faithful and loving God.  May my every breath today and always proclaim your wonderful name.  Amen.

Today's Gratitude RAK:  Post a thoughtful message to someone on social media about how much your friendship means.