Give thanks to the Lord for he is good, His love endures forever. Psalm 107.Vs1

At a recent PCC meeting our Vicar read out the Lords prayer, reflectively and slowly, pausing after each line…. It was a good way to slow down, think about what was being said and have that opportunity to listen and see if God was speaking…

I’m not sure I heard from God in that instance, but certainly it has made me think about prayer – and more specifically – Gratitude, thankfulness and, as often happens, a worship song popped into my head – Forever, by Chris Tomlin… Give thanks to the Lord, our God and King, His love endures forever…

This week I have felt especially thankful to God for all sorts of things. I had a wonderful afternoon/evening recently with both my children, Ross and Olivia and our new grandson Finley.  That opportunity to be just us four again… and our newest member of course– it made my heart swell and I was beyond happy – I spent most of the afternoon thanking God for his goodness and for my family and for everything He has given me.

 Just before I sat down to write this I watched our neighbour with two of his sons and his brother wander up the road on a day out… My neighbour is from Uzbekistan so for him to see his family, to have his brother and sister-in-law here spending time with them must have been amazing, it doesn’t happen very often. I couldn’t help but smile and wonder how many times they have muttered a prayer of thanks to God over the last couple of weeks for the special moments they will have had together.

There’s a strange kind of stillness that hits when you stop to feel thankful. Not in a loud, noisy way, but in that quiet, half-sigh moment when something really good and peaceful comes over you. Gratitude! That moment when you remember and feel God’s got you  - he is with you in all of it…the mess, the fear, the joy – He is there…

I read recently, while perusing a few different bible websites looking for a bit of inspiration..

“When we thank God actively, we build a deeper connection with Him and with those around us. So, let us take that step and be intentional about expressing our thankfulness”

and I thought to myself – yes that! Be more intentional…

So today is a good day to be thankful… to spend a bit of time thanking God for all the good things in our lives, to contemplate what he did for us on the cross and to pray intentionally, with gratitude, for all that we have been blessed with.

Give Thanks to the Lord or God and king: His love endures forever.