How can we incorporate gratitude for God's mercies into our prayer life? Mercies New Every Morning “ ‘They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!’ ” (Lamentations 3:23) Why Fresh Mercies Invite Fresh Gratitude • God’s compassion does not run on yesterday’s supply; He refills it daily. • Each sunrise is a reminder that His faithfulness has not wavered overnight. • Recognizing this rhythm transforms prayer from routine to relationship. Start Prayer by Naming Today’s Mercies 1. Physical life: the breath in your lungs (Acts 17:25). 2. Spiritual life: forgiveness and cleansing already secured in Christ (1 John 1:9). 3. Practical provisions: food, work, shelter (Matthew 6:11). 4. Relational mercies: family, friends, church (Psalm 68:6). 5. Specific protections: “Thank You for driving safety yesterday…” Pause after each item and simply say, “Great is Your faithfulness!” Use Scripture as a Gratitude Guide • Psalm 103:2—“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and do not forget all His kind deeds.” – Read the whole psalm aloud, inserting personal examples after each benefit. • Philippians 4:6—“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving…” – Turn every request into a paired thanks: “Lord, I ask for wisdom at work and thank You for guiding me this far.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:18—“Give thanks in every circumstance…” – End the day naming one mercy hidden inside each challenge you faced. Keep a Mercy Journal 1. Date each entry with the morning’s verse: Lamentations 3:23. 2. Write three new mercies you noticed. 3. Carry the list into prayer; read it back to God. 4. Review past pages when discouragement hits—His faithfulness becomes visible history. Pray Scripture Back to God • “Father, Your mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23); thank You for today’s…” • “You load us daily with benefits (Psalm 68:19); I praise You for…” Speaking His words reminds your heart—and any listening doubts—that gratitude rests on truth, not mood. Share Gratitude to Multiply It • Tell a family member at breakfast what mercy you recorded. • Text a friend a verse and one reason you’re thankful. • In small group, begin by each person citing one fresh mercy; gratitude becomes contagious. When Mercies Feel Hidden • Return to the cross: Romans 8:32 assures that the God who gave His Son will not withhold lesser gifts. • Recall yesterday’s journal entries; evidence of faithfulness anchors present trust. • Ask the Spirit to open your eyes (Ephesians 1:18) to see mercies you’re missing. Living a Prayer Life Marked by Gratitude • Wake, acknowledge His new mercies. • Walk, weaving thanks into every petition. • Retire, reviewing the day’s mercies before sleep. Great is His faithfulness—let grateful prayer echo that truth from dawn to dusk. |
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