Day 17
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Take time to be thankful. Read a short devotion and a selected Bible verse each day.
It’s Day 17 of the Gratitude for Every Day 30-Day Devotion.
DEVOTION
Praying isn’t always easy. Praying in thanksgiving during difficult times can be hard, and praying for others who give our life challenges can be even harder. But prayer is a wonderful gift from God to give us a direct line of communication.
As a child, I considered prayer like an open phone line. As I clasped my hands and bowed my head, the call was placed and whether I heard Him or not, He always answered and always listened. Many prayers were rote, but I still believe God never tires of hearing from His children.
He has surrounded us with the beauty of His creation, and when things don’t line up according to how we think it should be—an inattentive family member, a quarrelsome coworker, or a grumpy gus in the check-out line—we sometimes feel validated in our own negative emotion toward that person and can get caught up in praying against someone instead of for them.
The Bible exhorts us to see others and our circumstances as Jesus does. We pray for relief for ourselves, but we are also instructed to pray in thanksgiving for everyone.
Thank you, God, for the challenges I face, because I am alive to face them. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to show grace to others, and to pray for what difficulties they are facing both known and unknown to me. Thank you, Lord, especially for the gift of seeing others as You see them, and not as I want them to be.
We are all your children, Lord, and for that, I present my prayers and praises with thanksgiving. Amen.
VERSE
1 Timothy 2:1 (ESV: English Standard Version)
Don't have your Bible handy? Click here to read online.
AUTHOR
Molly Jo Realy
A Southern hippiechick at heart, Molly Jo Realy is author of the romantic location mystery novel, NOLA, and creator of the Book Builder Workbook. The founder of New Inklings Press, she is also an editor and coach who strives to encourage people to embrace their unique talents to share their stories as only they can. Addicted to God, cats, tea, planners, and pens, in no particular order. Follow her on social media for more fun!
COME ALIVE, STAY WILD, and always, SAVOR THE JOURNEY!
“Writing is about grabbing the reader’s attention and telling the story only you can tell. Let your personality and experiences flow into the characters you write, read, and live.
It’s not what I write that’s unique.
It’s how I write it.”
Facebook - @MollyJoRealy
Facebook - @NewInklingsPress
