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Gratitude is a powerful way to experience joy and contentment with God’s provision in our lives. We may have a ton of problems that threaten to steal our joy, but if we can focus on the things that we are thankful for, we can rest in joy and peace.
(If you've already read the page, you can jump directly to Prayers of Gratitude.)
It is a choice that we must make each and every day…
Throughout the time that I was writing this page, God had been teaching me about true suffering.
I was experiencing tremendous pain throughout my body making it extremely difficult to function as I did before.
In the worst moments of the tribulation, I felt as though my body was on fire and I had nights where it was difficult to sleep because of pain.
During the time of writing this page, my pain had increased for a month and a half. In the process of finding a diagnosis (I had already been to five doctors, and was referred to a rheumatologist), I found that I was feeling a bit impatient with the process.
I made multiple calls to my doctors asking if there were any cancellations so I could get in sooner. I was in a holding pattern as I awaited more upcoming blood test results and diagnostic visits.
I know some people who were going through similar situations, and they consoled me with their compassion and understanding.
I was not alone in my suffering. And while I would not wish the pain I felt upon anyone, knowing that God allowed it made it a little easier to deal with because He gave me His peace and continued to comfort me with His presence.
I truly believe that God wants to give each of His children Perfect Peace amidst their mental and emotional challenges, as well as physical sufferings.
This is not necessarily the same as complete healing, but rather God giving us peace amidst our pain and joy in the strangest of places when we are able to say as we’re hurting that God is GOOD!
God graciously brought to my mind Joni Eareckson Tada. She suffered a tragic diving accident when she was only 17 that left her paralyzed. Not only is she a quadriplegic, but she experiences severe, ongoing pain.
And yet, even as she suffers tremendously, she personifies tremendous hope and joy in her life in Christ.
She didn’t allow her disability to ruin her life, but she learned new skills and practices staying focused on all the ways that God has blessed her life.
It’s a constant, conscientious turning to the things that make us grateful.
Joy sometimes comes in drips and drops. If we allow these drops to accumulate, we will have a continual fountain of joyous feelings that can sustain us through life’s sufferings.
Even when it becomes suffering that we cannot handle at all.
On the other hand, when we dwell on our pains, struggles and the difficulties that we face each day, allowing them to overshadow or take center stage in our awareness, we will experience anxiety and depression, as well as inhibit the work that God wants to do in our lives.
We are essentially saying, albeit unintentionally, that we don’t believe that God is big enough or even that He has good plans for us to help us through our painful trials.
I know that choosing joy is not easy. In the beginning, my Christian walk was riddled with unbelief and anxiety.
Before I became a Christian, I had the scary experience of meeting the enemy face to face. And at first, after I became a Christian, I could barely keep my faith with the constant barrage of persecutions, and remembrances of my former transgressions.
Like Paul, I have a thorn in the flesh to keep me humble.
Blessedly, I had my Christian family and support team when I was learning how to walk with Christ, and I journaled every morning as I read my devotionals and Bible, and gave thanks to God for all the blessings in my life.
That’s how I survived. I got up super early every morning and spent time with Jesus. I memorized Scripture and prayed and thanked God for His mercies that endure forever.
In time, it was easier to ride the tumultuous waves of life and rest in God’s presence.
Spending time with God in worship, reading His Word, and praying prayers of gratitude to Jesus will help to lift us out of our darkest pits to that desired refuge of God’s rest and peace.
It’s helpful to remember to “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV)
Even if our lives are messy, like mine was (and still is in various ways), the gratitude that we feel for Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross will give us a new perspective, a new desire to make the most out of what we’ve been given.
Even when our situations change for the worse.
Instead of allowing our minds to run away with what’s right in front of us, we turn to Jesus and thank Him for His presence.
I still need to remember this each day.
As soon as I wanted to write this page, I began feeling pain in my wrists and hands that prevented me from being able to type. I was worried because I felt so good about my progress...
...and then I had this setback.
I prayed to God, “Please, don’t let me become disabled! I need to be able to type!”
Well, Praise Jesus! God answered my prayer...I'm not disabled! Blessedly, I'm not in pain like I was before!
But, at the time when I wrote this section, my pain didn’t seem to be getting better, but worse!
Yet, I am still praising God for the blessing of doctors, antibiotics, inspiration to write about prayers of gratitude to Jesus, and for my employer who was very understanding and flexible with my disrupted work schedule.
Even when I was afraid that I might need to go to the emergency room, because it felt like I was coming down with a cold or virus on top of my bodily pains, I prayed and trusted that God was protecting me, even though I was uncertain I would survive the night!
Blessedly, the next morning, I felt better and no longer felt the lump in my throat! Praise Jesus!
And as my bodily pains continued to spread, I sought to continue Praising God for His GOODNESS and HEALING!
But, I further decided that I would focus on His Goodness even if He chose to not completely heal me!
It doesn’t seem to make sense, but I found joy in the small moments as I prayed my prayers of gratitude to Jesus, even as I was unbearably uncomfortable and experiencing increasingly intense and spreading pains.
I sought the ways that I could focus on Jesus and His promises.
And I praised Jesus for every moment there was relief from the pain!
God promises to be with us and comfort us and He commands that we rejoice, pray, and give thanks in ALL circumstances. The good and the bad.
Note: In the present, Dec 17, 2024, it's been a year and a quite a few months since I was first diagnosed with Lyme disease. Praise Jesus, the antibiotics worked and God healed me! I haven't had pain in my body for 15 months! And I haven't had any additional complications! I'm so very grateful for God having mercy on me!
If you are experiencing pain and it seems relentless, please continue to lean on God for the strength to get through this trial. I know how hard it can be to wait for healing!
Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life. (Proverbs 13:12 KJV)
Deferred means postponement, not denied. Keep praying, keep worshipping Jesus! Never, Never, Never give up!!
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 KJV)
This doesn’t mean that we won’t experience sadness and suffering, or that we’ll jump for joy when pain inevitably interrupts our plans, but what it does mean is that we are trusting God’s GOODNESS and MERCY to see us through!
Just like Job, who suffered tremendously in his life, we can Praise God for Who He is!
Job knew that even as nearly everything that was good in his life was violently taken away from him, God was still GOOD, TRUSTWORTHY, and PRAISE WORTHY.
Satan's destruction of all of Job's wealth, his murderous attack on Job's servants and children, and finally, his attack on Job's health, was meant to shipwreck Job's faith in God. But Job chose the correct response!
God is not the author of evil, but He is allowing evil in this world for a time. And sometimes God allows Satan to destructively interfere in our lives. But God is always in control!
God has set boundaries and rules for Satan. Know that Satan is not in God's league, not even close! For he is a fallen angel and a created being, and while he is powerful, there is a limit to his power.
God's power is INFINITE! Satan cannot snatch us out of God's hand! (See John 10:29)
At other times, it is God Who afflicts us. God, our Perfect Father, disciplines us out of His tremendous love for us, for He chastens all of His children. This is a blessing that He uses to keep us from wandering from His path of righteousness.
31 For the Lord will not cast off for ever: 32 But though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. 33 For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men. (Lamentations 3:31-33 KJV)
God leads us throug trials in order to help us develop compassion for others who are undergoing similar trials. Our trials help us to comfort others. (See 2 Corinthians 1:4)
If we are wise, we will patiently endure our sufferings and discipline by leaning wholeheartedly on Jesus, praying our prayers of gratitude to Jesus, and seeking God's wisdom in the Bible.
Let us always be mindful that we are not guaranteed a life free and clear of trouble, but “In every thing give thanks…” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
When you are tempted to complain about your situation in life, stop and lift up some prayers of gratitude to Jesus! God will help you as you turn your attention to the blessings in your life.
Prayers of Gratitude to Jesus
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh how thankful I am, Lord, for this new day, for Your new mercies (See Lamentations 3:22-23), and for Your many promises in Your Word!
Today I am surrounded by trouble, Lord, but You promise to protect and guide me even as I experience tremendous suffering. You have told me to expect trials in this life, but to rejoice because You have overcome the world!
These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 KJV)
Please hear my Praise and Worship, Lord Jesus! I praise You for You are GOOD! I’m struggling today, Lord, but I choose to look to You for Your Comfort, Mercy, and Sovereignty! I choose Praise, Worship, and Gratitude!
Thank You that this suffering is temporary!
For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18 KJV)
Thank You that I was able to get out of bed this morning!
Thank You that I am able to check important tasks off my to-do list!
Thank You that I am able to work even when my body is experiencing pain, and for helping me to keep my mind focused! I praise You for focus!
Thank You that I don’t have to get it all done in one day! That I have these precious moments to work and to lift praise to You Who gives me strength (See Philippians 4:13)!
Thank You for all these things and for sustaining me, LORD!
Oh, how I love You, Jesus!
In Your Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I praise You for the New Year! Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us! (See Matthew 1:23)
Thank You for this day, Lord! Please hear my Worship and Praise!
Thank You for Inspiration and for Lifting me up! Please help me to live my best life this Year, O Jesus!
I sing to You a new song. May all people join in worshiping Jesus!
Thank You for ALL of Your Promises!
Thank You for all the kind, warm-hearted people in this world.
Thank You for exercise and for encouraging me to take better care of myself!
Thank You for thinking good thoughts toward me! (See Jeremiah 29:11)
Please help me to do the first things first, O LORD! Loving others, sharing Jesus, giving my resources and my time to help make the world a better place.
Oh I pray that All People would come to Know You, O Jesus!
Please continue to encourage and strengthen me, O LORD!
In Your Precious Name I pray! Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the quiet moments in my day! How I love to talk with You, O Lord, in the early moments of the morning when everything is still. How I cherish this time with You!
You are near when I seek You, O Lord (see James 4:8)! How grateful I am that You want to spend time with me! You understand me better than anyone, Jesus! And for that I am eternally thankful!
Please accept my Worship, Lord Jesus! Please hear my shouts of joy for Your lovingkindness!!
Thank You for my computer. It was a hand-me-down, but I’m thankful that I have it to write, do research, and reach out to others!
Thank You for my family and friends! I praise You for bringing new people into my life who Love You and Praise You!
Thank You for a good night’s rest and for a beautiful day to enjoy all that You have created!
Thank You for the time I have each day to serve You! Please help me to use my time wisely!
Thank You for all the healthy food to eat and for helping me to have the desire to take better care of myself!
Thank You for giving me relief from my emotional strongholds! I praise You for helping me to have better mental health!
Thank You for Your peace “...which passeth all understanding” (Philippians 4:7 KJV). I am so grateful for Your comfort and stillness!
I praise You for You are EVERYTHING You say You are! I dearly love You, O Lord!
In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I am counting my blessings, O Lord! I am focusing on all the ways that I am blessed and for the precious moments when You give me relief!
Thank You for inspiring me to be thankful! When I am struggling, a powerful way for me to turn my situation around is to note all the ways that I am blessed.
I am blessed that there are people who care! Thank You that they are praying for me!
I am blessed with a desire to pray and spend time with You, O Lord!
I am blessed with the desire to find inspirational and helpful resources online.
I am blessed because I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior!
I am blessed because You made me with my own unique skills and gifts!
I am blessed with a brain capable of learning new and useful skills!
I am blessed with a desire to be helpful to others!
I am blessed to live life simply and am content with how You provide for me!
I am blessed because I don’t have to figure this life out on my own! You guide and protect me as I seek Your wisdom and discernment!
Thank You for all these blessings! I am so grateful, O Lord!
I love You dearly, Lord Jesus!
In Your Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh how I thank You for this day! I choose to remember all the times You have been Faithful to me. I choose to look to You for my comfort.
Thank You for all of these blessings…
For the lovely birds I hear singing in the early morning. They sing Your praises continually!
For the Sun, the solar system, and the entire universe and beyond. You keep the universe in perfect order that we may continue to live on this great earth that You created!
For beautiful flowers and all the intricate plants and trees that landscape Your beautiful world.
For all the people in this world who are protecting us from danger: police, doctors, nurses, firefighters, our armed forces. They risk their lives so that we can live safely.
For healthy and delicious food that You provide for us to nourish our bodies.
For ALL the ways that You are GOOD, O LORD, and Completely Trustworthy!
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee. (Isaiah 26:3 KJV)
For the kind people I meet throughout my day!
For the Bible, Your Word, that never returns void…
So shall My Word be that goeth forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11 KJV)
When You make a promise, You keep it! I Praise Jesus for all Your Precious Promises!
There failed not ought of any good thing which the LORD had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass. (Joshua 21:45 KJV)
Thank You for being with me, O Lord! Oh, how I love You!
In Jesus’ Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
How I Praise You for Your Mercies that endure forever! (See all of Psalm 136)
O give thanks unto the LORD; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever. (Psalm 136:1 KJV)
I thank You for all the times I’ve repented of my sins and how You’ve forgiven me! Your promises are Yes and Amen! Oh how glad I am that You are still with me and desire to give me GRACE!
“For all the promises of God in Him are Yea, and in Him Amen…” (2 Corinthians 1:20 KJV)
And therefore will the LORD wait, that He may be gracious unto you, and therefore will He be exalted, that He may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for Him. (Isaiah 30:18 KJV)
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 KJV)
I thank You that Your mercies are new every morning!
22 It is of the LORD'S mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is Thy faithfulness. (Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV)
I thank You that You want to spend time with me every day! Oh how I love to talk with You for You know me better than anyone, and still You LOVE me with a perfect, Unconditional LOVE!
Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise Thee. (Psalm 63:3 KJV)
I thank You that there are so many uplifting, and encouraging resources online for me when I need a pick-me-up!
I thank You that I don’t have to trouble myself with things that are beyond my understanding and control. I thank You that You never slumber or sleep, and that all things are under Your control!
“...LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me. (Psalm 131:1 KJV)
Behold, He that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. (Psalm 121:4 KJV)
I am grateful that there are so many uplifting and inspirational Christian songs to lift my spirit when I need encouragement.
I thank You that this world is not the end. There are many sad and scary things going on in our world. If it weren’t for You, Jesus, we would have no hope! I praise You, that You willingly died for our sins: past, present, and future!
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. (Revelation 21:4 KJV)
I thank You that You tell us what to expect in Your Word! You want to prepare us, so that we will not be afraid when the storms come! How I praise You for Your Honesty and Integrity and Lovingkindness!
God is not a man, that He should lie; neither the son of man, that He should repent: hath He said, and shall He not do it? or hath He spoken, and shall He not make it good? (Numbers 23:19 KJV)
I thank You that You don’t answer every single prayer we lift up to You! For You know everything and we only have a glimpse of what is going on. You know and only provide what is best for us, even when we think we know better.
8 For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, saith the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV)
Sometimes You allow us to have what we think we want, and those longings bring painful consequences, but Your Lovingkindness is always there to bring us back into Your tremendous Mercy and Grace when we repent and seek Your forgiveness!
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 KJV)
Oh, how I love You, Lord Jesus!
In Your Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh how well I know that You are good! You do not change and for that I am eternally grateful!
For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed. (Malachi 3:6 KJV) (See also Hebrews 13:8 and James 1:17)
I thank You for Your promise to forgive us when we confess our sins to You, and that You promise to give us the desires of our hearts when we fully surrender our lives to You and align ourselves with Your will!
Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desires of thine heart. (Psalm 37:4 KJV)
I thank You that You don’t give us everything we desire, for You are Omniscient, Omnipresent, and Omnipotent. You know when our desires will cause harm to ourselves or others, or lead us away from total dependence on You!
And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV)
I thank You that You bring to mind all the comforting Bible Verses that speak to my situation! I’m so thankful that I spend time in Your Word, memorizing Chapter and Verse! I love that the more I spend time with You, You bless me with Your peace!
I thank You that You never “...slumber nor sleep!” (Psalm 121:4 KJV) You are always protecting me, even when I am in darkness!
If I ascend up into Heaven, Thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, Thou art there. (Psalm 139:8 KJV)
As long as I continue to seek You, and stay aligned to Your will, “[You] will…make the crooked places straight…” (Isaiah 45:2 KJV)
Thank You that You Love me Unconditionally and Completely!
I love You, too, Dear Jesus!
In Your Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
How I praise You this day! When I am stressed out because of trouble in my life (not having enough money to pay my bills, sickness, job stresses, relational problems, depression...), when I stop and pray and really study Your Word, I find that my stress melts away!
Thank You that in the moments when I choose to Trust You completely instead of allowing my fears to run rampant, You BLESS me with Peace and Joy!
5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)
Oh, how thankful I am that I have Jesus as my Lifeline, my Comfort, my Rest!
Come unto Me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 KJV)
I praise You this day and Always!
How I love You, O Lord!
In Jesus' Precious Name I pray. Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Oh how I praise You this day! You were with me when my car started having problems as soon as I left home, but I got scared...
I was scared that the enemy was at work breaking my car...
I was scared that I would have tremendous expenses just to fix a car that was recently fixed...
I was not in a good place. But then I remembered to expect trials, for You graciously reminded me...
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, (James 1:2 NKJV)
Thank You that I was close to a mechanic, and that the mechanic was willing to quickly check out my car for free!
Thank You that I was able to safely get home.
Thank You that I was able to contact a garage and make arrangements for a diagnostic appointment.
Thank You for prayer! I'm so glad that I didn't allow my fears to run the show, but I chose to seek Your Wisdom and Comfort!
I prayed that You would guide me and the mechanic in all ways so that I was getting the best help for the least cost!
Oh, how thankful I am that the mechanic said to take my car home and test it for a while. I found that the gas gauge was working again, for You, O Lord, miraculously intervened and helped fix my car!
Oh how I praise You, Dear Jesus! For You have been with me before when I was in situations that seemed to be hopeless!
When I prayed my daily prayers for help, You graciously turned my situations around so that I did not experience what I greatly feared!
I sought the LORD, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4 KJV)
You have rescued me again and again! Thank You for always reminding me to pray!!
Oh how I love You and love that You are Holy and Compassionate!
In Jesus' Precious Name I pray! Amen!
Dear Heavenly Father,
O Lord, how I praise You! You are Holy and Righteous and I shout for JOY that You are with us!
I'm feeling excited about the possibilities in my life, for You have been supernaturally helping me to work more efficiently and consistently.
You have given me the energy and desire to follow through on the goals You have placed on my heart!
Thank You for helping me to pray all of my prayers each and every day! You really do move mountains when we make the effort to spend time praying our daily prayers.
Please continue to help us to maintain this practice, for it is worth every effort that we make!
Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. (James 5:16 KJV)
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58 KJV)
You really do want to help us, O LORD!
Oh, LORD, please continue to give me the energy I need to maintain these good habits that I've adopted. Help me to know when to take a break, please continue to help me be consistent!
Thank You for answering our prayers!
When we praise You and sing our joyful songs, You are Glorified and we are blessed!
1 O sing unto the LORD a new song: sing unto the LORD, all the earth. 2 Sing unto the LORD, bless His name; shew forth His salvation from day to day. (Psalm 96:1-2 KJV)
24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: 25 The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: 26 The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. (Numbers 6:24-26 KJV)
Thank You, Jesus! You are Sovereign and You are Good!
Oh, how I love You, Lord Jesus!
In Your Precious Name I pray! Amen!
Scripture and references to Scripture followed by KJV are from the King James Version of the Holy Bible.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Other Biblical Scripture references are noted by Book, chapter, and Verse. Please look each up for the actual Bible Verse.