Grasping GratitudeSample

Desperate Prayers

Desperate times call for desperate measures.

What is the most desperate thing we can do that makes all the difference in our gratitude?

It's making that call to the One who has the power to instantly change everything--God.

It's Prayer.

Prayer is our lifeline. Prayer moves the hand of God. He tells us to ask of Him. (Matt. 7:7, Luke 11:9, James 1:5)

My favorite Scripture is John 15:7, which says, “

“ ‘IF’ ye abide in me, AND my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”

Do you see that “IF?” Abiding and hiding God’s Word in our hearts in such a way that it is memorized, repeated, and used in our conversations (even more so back to Jesus as we pray) WILL give us the desires of our hearts from God as long as it’s according to His great plan and purpose and within His will.

He doesn’t want to withhold any good thing from us! (Psa. 84:11)

Jesus wants to be your BFF! (John 15:15)

What does it look like to have a best friend? It is someone that you cherish, someone that you desire to spend time with, you are content with, someone that you know will always be there for you, and you for them. They support you. They love you. They have your back.

These are all characteristics of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Jesus longs for that communication with you, as a best friend would.

Can you commit to spending some time today and in the days ahead, finding ways to express your gratitude to Him for all He has done, all He’s in the process of doing, and all He’s going to do?

Make a gratitude list to keep where you will see it regularly. Pray it over Jesus and bless His Name! Add to the list as you ask God to show you what He’s worthy of praise for, and watch the joy well up inside of you as the gratitude builds while you start on this habit!