SATURDAY, July 23

Psalm 138. I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing your praise.

“All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee,” a celebrant might say while lifting the collection plate and then the bread and wine. As citizens of a realm give tribute to their king, grateful for protection and prosperity, so in gratitude for what God has given, the congregation gives a portion back to God. This is our sacrifice of thanksgiving.

In addition to offering the Lord the elements of bread and wine and money, we offer our attitude. Billboards pressure us to seek items we don’t have; the psalms remind us that a relationship with God is the most valuable possession. Instead of long lists of what we would like, why not keep a list of reasons for gratitude?

For Christmas I received a journal, and every night I list prayer requests and thanksgivings. In the latter I see answers to prayer I would not have noticed. I let go of nagging for what I want, the way I want it, and watch how God brings about healing and prosperity in ways I would not have considered.

Thank you, Lord.

PRAY for the Diocese of Popondota (Papua New Guinea)

Ps 55 * 138, 139:1-17(18-23); 2 Samuel 1:1-16; Acts 15:22-35; Mark 6:1-13

View the daily Lectionary Readings at Satucket.com.
Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com or Oremus Bible browser.

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Jul 23, 2011 at 8:21 am

Written by Lois,

I like your suggestion of keeping a journal and keeping track of people that I pray for and the many blessings recieved through these prayers. Thank you.

Answers to prayers I would not have noticed.....

Jul 23, 2011 at 8:50 am

Written by Chris,

During one of my "valleys", I started collecting pieces of paper with sermons, messages, prayers, scriptures, and just notes of inspirations. The mound of paper became overwhelming and a book journal of faith began. I am now finishing my second and will begin on a third. The many prayers I have recorded have proven what your message today shares. There have been so many answers to prayers I would not have noticed. Because of your message today, I will add a night prayer journal. Praise be to God for the many answers to prayers and for wonderful messengers like you, Noel. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

The importance of gratitude

Jul 23, 2011 at 9:24 am

Written by Steve Doutt,

Thank you for this wonderful thought, taking me forward another day.
Yesterday at work we discussed the feelings of frustration and anxiety that we feel when our good work goes unrecognized. It is especially demoralizing, and leads to anger, when we only get attention for the things that we are not doing.

Bedtime Journal

Jul 23, 2011 at 9:58 am

Written by Terry Jones,

I've journalled for many, many years, mostly in the morning, and now will add this to my daily ritual.
Thank you!

Let Us Continue To Give God Thanks!

Jul 23, 2011 at 1:05 pm

Written by emeline,

There is a sweet saying: "people are the same wherever you go." How like the meditation writer and today's respondents am I. Many journals were given to me over these many years. The one I make the most use of is a hard backed one, given by a friend and colleague when I was re-assigned to another area in my profession. It came in quite handy because a few months later my dear husband passed suddenly. I vowed to use it only to record the many blessings since his passing. They are many, many, many. It's my way of thanking God morning, noon and night! Thanks be to God for all His marvellous works!

...

Jul 23, 2011 at 1:32 pm

Written by Noel of July Day by Day,

What an inspired idea, intentionally to write down blessings during a difficult time. Otherwise they might be invisible or unnoted. Thank you for this spiritual direction.

...

Jul 23, 2011 at 3:07 pm

Written by Rick,

God answers prayers in ways we are not always aware of.

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