As we continue to think about gratitude this month, I want to share this prayer with you. May we seek to spend time each day with God, thanking him and asking him to continue guiding us, individually and as a church, closer to Jesus with grateful hearts.
O Gracious and Loving God,
Our hearts are grateful for you and for your amazing love that holds all things together. Right now, help us pause and take a breath. Help us remember that we are held in your care and have the gift of your everlasting arms to lean on.
We give thanks for the people in our lives who show us your great love. We give thanks for family, friends, and church family. We give thanks for shared hugs, laughter, and experiences that help us grow. Thank you for those who check on us, and for the kindness that arrives through your people just when we need it most.
Forgive us for the times when we rush past your gifts. We confess that we get distracted and forget how much we have received from your loving hand. Help us notice your goodness in the everyday moments that we so easily take for granted.
We know our hearts are sometimes heavy, yet we are grateful for your continual care. We miss someone. We worry about our families. We may feel stressed at work, at school, or at home. Thank you that we can come to you just as we are. Hold us close, and help us find something to be grateful for, even in chaotic seasons.
Thank you for your patience when we stumble. Thank you for your forgiveness when we fall short. You know us completely, and you keep loving us with a steadfast love that never fails.
Help us offer compassion and care to others that reflects Christ's love. May our gratitude to you show up in the world in simple ways. Prompt us to make the caring call, offer a helping hand, or take time to listen to others with love.
Thank you especially for the Union Christian Church family and the ways we care for one another and seek to share your love in the world. Keep using us well and drawing us closer to you as we seek to love like Jesus.
Our Lord, we lift our grateful hearts to you this day and ask that you continue to fill them with your love.
In Jesus’ name we pray,
Amen.