Daily Devotionals
july 8, 2021
Our Peachtree Church email devotionals this week, July 5-9, will be written by Peachtree’s Missions staff.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
At a very young age, my mother instilled in me the importance of sending a thank you note. Showing gratitude for a gift, thanking someone for a special dinner, or just telling someone how a small act of kindness affected my day became a part of my regular routine. The art of writing a thank you note is a gift passed down, and I have an entire cabinet of stationery to prove it. (Thank you, Mom!)
In accordance with this habit established long ago, I find that my prayer life echoes my everyday life. I speak with God in gratitude for all the blessings He has given me. God’s generosity surrounds us and encompasses us every day. How wonderful it is to lean into God’s words and channel a grateful heart of prayer. I heard once that the most blessed aspect of gratitude is the more you choose to be grateful, the easier it becomes.
Sitting down at the age of five and writing a scraggily-crafted thank you note has developed into an adult sitting down and penning a two-page note of gratitude for the gift of friendship. In a similar manner, prayers to thank God for His basic gifts to me have increased as I am now more keenly aware of so much around me for which I am grateful for each day.
A grateful heart is a gift in and of itself. And a grateful heart lends itself to become a grateful servant. And this grateful servant of God overflows with joy.
For Reflection
How do you share your gratitude in prayer and with others around you?
When was the last time you wrote a note of thanks? Perhaps there is someone who needs to hear that gratitude today. Can you spare a few minutes to share your gratitude?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, my servant heart is filled with gratitude. You are the ultimate giver, and I see that giving in every moment of every day. God, Your gifts are innumerable. I think of those who make my daily life complete—my family, my friends, my co-workers—and I am grateful. I think of the blessings bestowed upon me each day, and I am grateful. I am humbled by Your generosity and pray to exude that gratefulness, letting it flow to others around me. May our eyes be open to Your generosity, and our prayers become those of a grateful servant. Amen.
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