Give thanks

Give thanks

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; NIV).

Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble? (Job 2:10; NIV).

By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22-3; NRSV).

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity (Hebrews 6:1; NIV).

Father,
Please help me
To give thanks to you
In all circumstances.

It’s easy to be grateful
When life is going well,
But much harder
When I face suffering.

Yet there is so much to learn
From every challenge:
Love, joy and peace,
Patience, kindness and generosity,
Faithfulness, gentleness
And self-control.

These are the qualities
I need to develop,
If I am to become
A mature Christian,
And they grow through
How I handle hardship,
Not through enjoying
An easy life.

Lord,
Thank you for my trials.
Help me to learn all I can
Through facing them,
So I will slowly become
Just a little more
Like your dear Son.

I ask this in his precious name,
Amen.

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