How to cultivate an attitude of gratitude
Each day and each part of the day affords us opportunities to express our thanks to God. We need to cultivate an attitude of gratitude in our hearts which will produce a lifestyle of thanksgiving to God.
His mercies are new every morning and we can start our day by committing it to the Lord. At the end of the day, we can give thanks for that day’s blessings.
Thanksgiving in scripture
Luke 22:17-20
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and break it, and gave to them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.
20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, this cup is the new testament in my blood, which is shed for you.
Jesus always gave thanks to Father God at every meal and we should follow his example albeit public or privately.
1 Timothy 4:3
3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.
Giving thanks at the family meal table is a good idea as it teaches our children that God is our provider and that he not only provides for us but can bless and sanctify (make holy) our food.
The offering time in the church is also an excellent opportunity to thank God as provider and to acknowledge him as our source.
Ephesians 5:20
20 Giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The bible encourages us to give thanks for all things through our Lord Jesus Christ. It is through Him that every blessing comes.
In times of difficulty or trouble, we can thank God for his answer that will surely come, and for the grace to come through the trial with honour to the Lord.
Thanksgiving is a good point to start your petition because as we do it, we realize how good he is, and this stimulates our faith in Him to receive our petition.
Prayer
Lord we ask in Jesus’ name, that you deliver us from our hard and ungrateful hearts.
Soften our hearts with your oil and wine.
Give us thankful hearts that give you all the thanks and praise that is due to your Holy Name. Lord we ask in faith, believing that we will receive this from you. Amen and Thank-you.
Our heartfelt thanksgiving is pleasing to God and helps us hear what he is saying.
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