Good morning. I am considering some of the many things that I (and I am confident to suggest, many of you as well) take for granted every day. These are things for which we fail to give praise to God, things deemed “normal.” For instance, I thought about safety and security. Thank you Lord, because I am able to feel safe and secure throughout my day. Since we have wonderful men and women who have dedicated themselves professionally to keep us safe and well, we need to lift them up in prayer to our Lord, asking that they, too, be kept safe and well. This truth got me thinking of a prayer list of subjects well overdue for prayerful attention.
I would like to suggest the beginning of a prayer list of subjects that too often are taken for granted:
Thank you Lord — for the freedoms I enjoy where you have set me to live. I know that many places in this world are defined by terror and daily fears. Forgive me for complaining about small things when I should give praise for this larger truth.
Thank you Lord — for the clean air I breathe. I know that there are too many places in this world where clean air cannot be taken for granted. I give thanks for each easy breath.
Thank you Lord — for the water I drink. It is rare that I am truly thirsty, and even more rare that if I feel the need for a cool, clean drink of water that I cannot immediately have one. I know, Lord, that there are many places where such a thing is a luxury only dreamed of.
Thank you Lord – for the friends that surround me. It is too easy to grumble about another person, but oh Lord, there are so very many wonderful people you have brought into my life. I give you thanks for each one, and I lift them to you in prayer for their blessing.
Thank you Lord — for the beauty of this world and the opportunity I have to enjoy it. I know there are many who live in places where beauty has been replaced by ugly decay and destruction. I give thanks for all the beauty that surrounds me every day.
Thank you Lord — for the work you have given me to do. It is easy to find things to complain about, but those thoughts are false. You have truly blessed me with work that is challenging, but always fulfilling.
Thank you Lord — for the ease with which I can research, read, and study so many interesting and valuable things. It is often a great blessing to be able to gather information so easily, but at the same time, Lord, I pray for the wisdom to recognize those things best left unknown.
Thank you Lord — for health. Oh sure, there are quite a few things to grumble about, but I praise you, oh Lord, for the health that I enjoy.
Thank you Lord — for forgiveness. I am in need of your mercy every day, and I am grateful that you are abounding in love and anxious to lift from me every point of guilt or shame.
Thank you Lord — for your promises. I need to reflect on those truths in the course of each day, for I know that there is an enemy who would rather see me in a place of dread and despair.
Thank you Lord — for the victory. I don’t praise you often enough for this truth that is above all things in my life. You have paid the price to secure my victory, and I give you grateful praise that your victory may be experienced throughout every day.
Thank you Lord — for your patience. I know that too often I am slow, stubborn, and foolish. But you, oh Lord, are steadfast in your patient love. Thank you.As I began writing these, I said that i would “suggest the beginning of a prayer list of things that I too often take for granted.” There is no doubt that I could go on, for there are many, many things that I fail to give praise for in the course of each day, things that are worthy of thanksgiving and praise. I assume that you could personally add quite a few subjects to this list as well, many of which are unique to you and your life.
This scripture from Philippians 4:4-8 is always a source of inspiration and strength: Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 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.Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
God bless you as you bring to Him in thankful prayer, those things you take for granted.
Vern