For Expressing Gratitude

For Expressing Gratitude

ACCORDING TO A STUDY conducted on five different continents, people rarely say “thank you.” English speakers are somewhat better than others—but on average, we express thanks only 14.5 percent of the time.

“Thank you” is a vital part of any relationship, including our relationship with God. It tells the Lord that he’s more than a vending machine that we run to when we need something to eat.

Jesus felt very strongly about intentional gratitude. As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy asked for mercy, and Jesus healed them. But only one came back to express gratitude. “He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking him for what he had done. . . . Jesus asked, ‘Didn’t I heal ten men? Where are the other nine?’” (Luke 17:16-17).

When we pray, God wants us to thank him as much as we ask him. A heartfelt thank-you requires an intentional investment of effort. It tells God that he’s not someone we use; he’s someone we love.

STRENGTH IN THE WORD

I pray that you will be grateful to God.

TODAY I DECLARE

I will intentionally express my gratitude.

PRAYERFUL THOUGHTS

Dear Lord,

Thank you for being Jehovah-Jireh, the God who provides; and thank you for being my genuine friend. When I think of all that you’ve done for me, there are too many blessings to count. You made a way when there was no way; you opened windows when every door was locked.

Thank you for your abounding generosity. I’m grateful for who you are.

In Jesus’ name, amen.

KEEPSAKE

“‘Thank you’ is a vital part of any relationship.”