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.