My heart is so full of gratitude…
God has blessed me in so many ways, and yet, so often, I overlook the simple gifts of life. Worse, I discount them and so I forget to give thanks.
Perhaps this little prayer (found in a collection of Puritan prayers) will remind you, as it did me, of all the many blessings that surround us every day.
Prayer of Praise & Thanksgiving
O my God,
Thou fairest, greatest, first of all objects,
my heart admires, adores, loves thee,
for my little vessel is as full as it can be,
and I would pour out all that fullness before thee in ceaseless flow….
I bless thee for the soul thou hast created,
for adorning it, sanctifying it,
though it is fixed in barren soil;
for the body thou hast given me,
for preserving its strength and vigour,
for providing senses to enjoy delights,
for the ease and freedom of my limbs,
for hands, eyes, ears that do thy bidding,
for thy royal bounty providing my daily support,
for a full table and overflowing cup,
for appetite, taste, sweetness,
for social joys of relatives and friends,
for ability to serve others,
for a heart that feels sorrows and necessities,
for a mind to care for my fellow-men,
for opportunities of spreading happiness around,
for loved ones in the joys of heaven,
for my own expectation of seeing thee clearly.
I love thee above the powers of language to express,
for what thou art to thy creatures.
Increase my love, O my God, through time
and eternity. Amen.
Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers & Devotions
May you and your loved ones have a wonderful Thanksgiving – and may we all carry a heart of gratitude throughout the year!
Which phrase in the prayer speaks the most to you?