Have you ever noticed how thanksgiving and joy seem to go hand in hand? It’s difficult to express gratitude for God’s blessings and still have a heart heavy with sorrow or disappointment. Perhaps it’s not so much that God wants thanks from us, rather it is the joy that comes from a thankful heart that He wants for us.
O Lord, help me be less concerned with what I put on my body and more concerned with what I wear in my heart.
If you can’t say anything nice, say nothing at all! [Mom’s wise advice]
A prayer I often use is this one: Lord, put your arm around my shoulder and your hand over my mouth! It’s a good one to remember!
When we give, I think God is more concerned with our attitude than what we offer or even the quantity of our offering. Lord, stop us from grumbling or complaining when we are asked to share your gifts. Give us cheerful hearts and willing spirits.
May we not only hear your word, O Lord, but comprehend it.
May we not just say your word, but live it.
Let your word turn into works and cause my faith to turn into action!
Father Almighty, thank you for every hour with which we have been blessed. Show us how to use them wisely. Don’t let us waste a single moment today with negative thoughts or actions. Teach us how to use this day to honor you and your gifts and live a life of joy and thanksgiving.
Devotions of the Heart 