“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.”—Hebrews 13:15

I can’t go the month of November and not write about being thankful. Every day we have opportunities to grow in our gratitude. This past hour, think about what you may have touched, tasted, or seen. Have I given thanks for such things?

I don’t know what your morning has looked like, but here has been mine: Lord, thank You for not just another day but also a warm bed next to my loving husband, blankets, a roof over my head, electricity, running water, refrigeration, food to eat, toothbrush/toiletries, morning devotions I can  read and worship You without persecution, my multiple Bibles that I own, electronic devices, the freedom to freely write about my faith, all my kitchen appliances, clothes, shoes….this is just from my first hour of the morning. Think about how long our list would be by the end of the day if we gave thanks for all things all day.

Another way for me to practice prayers of thanksgiving is to flip through the Book of Psalms. It is filled with prayers of giving thanks to God. Psalms 34, 100, 105, 106, and 135 are a few to get you started. Our prayers are a way for us to join our hearts with our Father in heaven. It is how we express our love and gratitude to Him.

I have shared before one of my favorite little books is my One Line A Day Five Year Memory Book. Last year I had to start a new one, which means this is my 7th year to do this! It also gives me an opportunity to reflect on that day the prior year. Every Sunday, I open it up and go through each day of the week and thank God for those moments and how He provided for me. When you look for the goodness in your day/week, there is hope. 

As I look back on my life, I am reminded that no matter what, God is with me. A heart full of thanksgiving turns my thoughts to God and His past faithfulness. When you look for God everywhere, it will put a smile on your face. Shifting our focus so we can see God’s hand at work in our live enables us to appreciate the little things in life…. a sunrise, sunset or birds singing, it can bring a little bit of joy in the midst of trials.

How has God blessed you today? Where is He showing up in our life right now? What are some things you are doing or can do to grow in gratitude this week?

Father God,

Forgive me when I focus on what I want rather than all I have. I ask for more awareness to appreciate Your goodness throughout my day. Help me to remember to celebrate all You have done and all that You are doing in my life. Thank You for all of Your love and goodness that You bestow upon me. I lift those up to who are struggling with finding joy in their life. Open my eyes to ways I can be a light in someone’s dark day. It is in the name of Jesus that I pray these things. Amen.

 November Memory Verse:

Will you join me to continue to imprint Mark 16:15 on your heart and live it out in your community this month ?

“Go into the world and preach the Good News to everyone.”—Mark 16:15 (NLT)

If you are knitting or crocheting gifts to give away, please make sure you tweet @KnitPrayShare or share your projects on the Knit, Pray, Share Facebook page or Instagram using the hashtag #KnitPrayShare. Be sure to attach a tag to whatever gift you make.