Watchful Thanksgiving

 

Hard to believe we are less than two weeks from celebrating Thanksgiving!  I do not know about you, but this one seemed to creep up on us quickly.  During this time of year, we spend time reflecting on the blessings that the Dear Lord has given to us.  It is important to take time and contemplate the events of our life this year and give thanks for all the great things that have happened.  As difficult as a year that this may have been for a person, there is always at least one thing to be grateful for.

The verse for today, though, provides more intent to thanksgiving.  To be very honest, this verse is a new one for me, and I enjoy the goodness it brings to us.  Depending on how you may look at prayer, devoting yourself to prayer can be a challenge.  I know for many years I believed prayer needed to be formal and I needed to come to our Lord in a traditional manner.  What I have learned is that Jesus wants to hear from us, to talk to him, regardless of the formality.  Once my view changed, my ability to devote myself to prayer has become more immediate in nature.  Similar what you hear at airports, “See something, say something.”

This brings us back to our verse for today.  If we keep a watchful eye on times throughout our day when we should be saying, “Thank you Jesus,” take the time to devote a moment in prayer – thanking God without delay for His goodness.  Devote yourself through an immediate prayer of gratitude.  This means we need to be active with the following:

1)       Focus on Good: Throughout our days, there are a number of moments when good things occur.  We need to be on the ‘lookout’ for those moments and not let them pass by as ‘karma’ or ‘coincidence.’   I am certain if we change our focus towards good, we will more plainly see the good that is around us.

2)      Stop to Pray:  Take a few moments to thank the One that provided us the good – Jesus.  Intentionally praying about the goodness that God provided to us, thanking Him for that goodness, is all God is asking.

Devoting ourselves to prayer by being watchful and giving thanks will soon become a part that is easily identified throughout your day.  Our focus on watchful thanksgiving, and giving thanks to the One who provides, will bring you closer to our Lord.  Have simple faith!

Video that Compliments Blog: Watchful Thanksgiving 

Dearest Jesus, thank you for providing us the opportunity to come to you in prayer.  May we focus on all the blessings you provide for us and may we take the time to thank you.  Amen!