Gratitude and Prayer

My One Little Word (OLW) for 2016 is gratitude. And yet, here it is almost August, and I have written about gratitude…maybe three times? I haven’t counted, but it’s been a long time.

In the gratitude journal that sits on my bedside table, I’ve long stopped writing a gratitude list everyday. It’s turned into more of a prayer journal lately. Funny, I thought about choosing prayer as my OLW.

I’ll be the first to admit that praying can sometimes fall to the bottom of my to-do list. And then I feel guilty for praying only when I need help in this life. Because this life can be rough, people.

I like road trips but right now our family is journeying down one rocky road. And I don’t like it. Not.one.bit. Guilt aside, I have been praying. A lot.

Ethel Barrymore is quote as saying, “When life knocks you to your knees, and it will, why, get up! If it knocks you to your knees again, as it will, well, isn’t that the best position from which to pray?” And, yes, she is related to those Barrymore’s of Hollywood.

Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, presents your requests to God.”

Prayer is a way to spend time with God. It’s a time to share our heart, lay all our worries on Him, and give thanks for what has been given to us.

Also, “Prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan.” -John Bunyan

So, I’ll pray and give thanks.

Here’s a prayer I discovered at Susie Larson this week. It has helped calm my soul this week; maybe it will help you too.

Lord, I’m weary after a long day. I lift my chin and look to You. I offer You the cares from the day, the concerns of my heart, and the things that keep me up at night. Take my sincere yet imperfect offerings and miraculously multiply them to meet the needs around me. When I crawl under the covers tonight, help me remember that I’m not under my circumstances. I’m safe under the shadow of Your wing. Cover me with sweet, nourishing sleep tonight. Oh, how I love You. Amen.

***Linking up with the lovely Holley Gerth at Coffee for your heart. Go check out all the inspiring links there. It’s your coffee break.