before we pray let's first take a moment to listen to God's word and then we'll pray together Colossians 3:15 says and Let the Peace of Christ rule in your hearts to which indeed you were called in one body and be thankful yes be thankful but what does it mean to be thankful it's more than just saying thank you before a meal or offering half-hearted appreciation when something goes your way true thankfulness is a way of seeing a way of living a way of recognizing that everything yes everything is a gift from God are you thankful
when you wake up in the morning realizing that God in his Mercy has given you another day do you acknowledge the breath in your lungs the steady beating of your heart the fact that while you were sleeping God God was still watching over you do you pause before you lay down at night reflecting on how God has carried you through the day are you grateful for the simple sunlight streaming through your window to hear the laughter of loved ones to taste the food set before you have you taken time to recognize that even the smallest
blessings are expressions of God's care or do you find yourself always longing for more maybe you feel like there's little to be thankful for because your life is not where you want it to be maybe you're struggling waiting on a breakthrough wondering when God will answer your prayers but let me ask you this has the Lord done anything for you that you should be grateful for has he ever made a way for you when there seemed to be none has he ever protected you from a danger you never even saw coming has he ever opened
doors that no man could shut if you're struggling to find reasons to be thankful let me offer you a different perspective think about this for a moment should we not be grateful for the times when God in his Mercy chose to forgive us instead of punishing us instead of turning his back on us he chose to love us instead of letting us bear the full weight of our sins he sent his only son Jesus Christ to take our place he has not made us pay the price for our sins no instead he paid it himself
through Jesus he has not abandoned us even though we have turned away from him so many times even when we ignored him even when we chose sin over obedience he remained faithful he has not granted every single request we have ever made and thank God for that because some of the things we desperately wanted would have destroyed us he in his perfect wisdom has withheld things that would have led us further from him we praise God not just for what he has given us but also for what he has withheld for the prayers he didn't
answer the way we expected for the protection we didn't even realize we needed because if God gave us everything we truly deserved where would we be I know that if I received what I rightfully deserved I would stand condemned my own failures my own sins my own shortcomings would weigh me down beyond what I could bear but oh how I thank God that he does not give me what I deserve Romans 8:1 declares this powerful truth there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus instead of condemnation I have received Grace
instead of punishment I have been given Mercy instead of rejection I have been embraced as a beloved child of God that alone is reason enough to be thankful gratitude is not just about counting the obvious blessings it's about recognizing God's presence in every situation be thankful for the strength you gained through your struggles be thankful for the lonely Seasons because those were the times you learned to lean on him fully be thankful for the trials that refined your faith and Drew you closer to God be thankful for the doors he closed because they LED you
to something better be thankful even in the waiting because God is working behind the scenes in ways you cannot yet see so today I encourage you to be thankful be thankful in the morning be thankful in the evening be thankful in the waiting be thankful in the storm be thankful always now let's take a moment to pray together heavenly father thank you for the precious gift of life thank you for waking me up this morning for filling my lungs with breath for allowing my heart to beat another moment every second every breath every Sunrise is
a reminder that you are not finished with me yet you have plans and purposes beyond what I can see and I am grateful for the opportunity to walk in them today thank you for blessing me in ways I sometimes fail to recognize for the strength in my body that allows me to move work work and live for the clarity of my mind that enables me to think discern and make choices for the love of family and friends for the relationships you have placed in my life to encourage and strengthen me Lord I know that every
good and perfect gift comes from you you are my provider supplying all my needs according to your riches and Glory you are my sustainer carrying me when I am weak and lifting me up when I am weary you are my refuge my safe place in times of trouble and father as I lift my thanks before you I also come humbly asking for your mercy cover me with the precious blood of Jesus forgive me for the times I have taken your blessings for granted for the moments when I have complained instead of rejoiced for the times
I have doubted Your Love instead of trusting your perfect plan father I ask that you surround me with your presence be a hedge of protection around me my family and my loved ones shelter us under the shadow of your Mighty Wings cover our minds with your peace our hearts with your truth and our souls with your righteousness let no scheme of the enemy Prosper against us no attack no lie no fear no weapon formed against us shall stand for we are covered by the blood of Jesus your word declares in Isaiah 41 verse 10 so
do not fear for I am with you do not be dismayed for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand so today Lord I declare I will not be afraid I will not live in worry I will not give into anxiety the enemy has no authority over my life because I belong to you I am covered by your grace secured by your promises and upheld by your Mighty hand and Lord I extend this prayer over my household my loved ones and all those connected
to me I declare that my family is protected my home is surrounded by the fire of your presence every step we take every path we walk we are covered by the grace and mercy of the most high no evil shall befall us no plague shall come near our dwelling for you Lord are our refuge and Fortress Holy Spirit I invite you into my life Fill Me Guide Me lead me in the way I should go be my counselor my teacher my helper in times of need help me to walk in wisdom to discern what is
right and to make choices that honor you clothe me with the full armor of God so that I may stand firm against the schemes of the enemy fasten the belt of Truth around me so that I may not be swayed by deception place a upon me the breastplate of righteousness to guard my heart from sin Let My Feet be fitted with the Readiness of the gospel of peace so that I may walk in your ways give me the shield of faith that I may extinguish every fiery Dart of the enemy Crown me with the helmet
of salvation to protect my mind from Fear doubt and lies and place in my hands the sword of the spirit which is your Living Word my weapon against every attack yes Lord I know that as a Believer I will face trials opposition and moments of testing but I also know the power that is in the name of Jesus the name above all names the name at which every knee shall bow in heaven and on Earth and under the Earth at the name of Jesus every stronghold must break every chain Must Fall and every plan of
the enemy must be defeated Psalm 5:1 declares but let all who take refuge in you be glad let them ever sing for Joy spread your protection over them that those who love your name May rejoice in you and so Lord I choose to Rejoice today I choose to trust in you I choose to fix my eyes on the eternal rather than the temporary because I know that you will protect me I know that you will guide me I know that you will keep me in perfect peace I will not be shaken I will not be
moved I will stand firm in the assurance that my God is greater my God is stronger and my God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all I could ask or imagine Lord Jesus you are my keeper you are my shepherd you are my rock you are my Fortress you are my Hiding Place you are the prince of peace and so today I lift my voice with a heart full of gratitude declaring that you alone are worthy I bless your holy name now and forever more in Jesus's mighty name I pray amen if this prayer
has touched your heart please type amen as a sign of faith I pray that every blessing in this prayer is now upon you in the name of Jesus and if you need a special prayer feel free to let us know in the comments we would be honored to pray for you May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you always
