You know I once heard that giving thanks should be a lifestyle instead of an action. I have to agree. I am a gratitude coach with a ministry to show God’s love by practicing gratitude. This can apply to the way I eat (either healthy, organic foods or poorly with processed foods) and what are my core values (do I practice the Word of God or look out only for myself). I strongly believe this should forever be a part of our lives to live the best life possible.
I decided when I started my ministry on gratitude three years ago that every morning I would mentally write God a thank you note. Now many of you may say that is just praying but I disagree, it’s different.
So when I write a thank you note to God it would go something like this.
Dear Father,
I want to thank you sincerely for your love and support with my ministry. You have given me the opportunity to spread hope in Your name and meet many people I would have never crossed paths with. Thank you again for your kindness.
Truly, LoLo
Or maybe this note.
My Heavenly Father,
I come to you today in gratitude. My dad has cancer again and I know You are guiding this journey with your love and compassion. Thank you for gifting my dad with the best cancer team to give him the most successful treatment and quality of life. We wouldn’t be able to do this without you, so thank you.
Lovingly, LoLo
It is short and to the point, different from a prayer. I think of a true handwritten thank you note and convert it to verbal words. It can compliment prayer. I have so many reasons to write God His note every day.
God is a kind and loving Father and I want to thank Him. It is who He is, so I want to thank Him in other ways than in prayer.
2 Corinthians 9:11: “You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
It seems to me that many people go to our Father when we are in crisis or desperate for help. I have been guilty of this when I attempt to to run my own life before asking God what His plan is and I mess everything up. I am always broken when I come to this point and He always gives me peace and forgiveness. This is why I think it is so important to mentally write that gratitude note to God daily. It’s even better if you write the note in a journal to look back on if you are having a day you can’t find gratitude. Gratitude releases dopamine in you brain which makes you happy. This is another benefit of practicing gratitude.
We are also commanded to practice gratitude and to give thanks in the Bible.
1 Thessalonians 5:18 “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
Psalm 107:1 “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!”
Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Psalm 95:2 “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
You may remember the old saying, ” You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.” ? I never forget it because it simply means, the kinder you are the more others will see Jesus in you. We are kinder when we practicing gratitude. Think about what your thank you note for God would be and then send it.
All my love and gratitude for you-LoLo
gratefulgratitude.net 