Scripture and Prayer Topic: Gratitude/Thankfulness.
Scripture: Ezra 3:11
With Praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord: “He is good; his love toward Israel endures forever.” And all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. (NIV)
Prayer:
Lord, help us remember to begin and end each day, with a grateful heart. Grateful for life, and for the foundation in which you brought us forth… each... as a unique and immeasurably loved child. When we get stuck in the woes or woeful ways of mortals, help us to return to a heart grateful to have been born of your love… and sing of it so loudly... it drowns the fears of denial, with the volume of the Nile. Amen.
Personal/Professional Growth Tool Suggestion:
Download one of the many quote Apps available for free to your phone. Set a time during your work day to read and speak out loud a daily quote about being grateful or thankful. It will help remind us there are plenty of people who would be grateful to have some of the things we consider as “problems,” in our lives.
Coping Skill Suggestion:
Every time you feel yourself beating yourself down, or feel someone else has or is trying to do so… think of your childhood. For each year of your life, try to remember something from your school days that you were proud of accomplishing or someone who lifted you emotionally… a classmate, a teacher, the librarian, someone who taught you about receiving compassion… despite not knowing that’s what it was called, at the time. Spend more time, focusing on those who’ve lifted you throughout your life. The others simply aren’t worth your time or energy.