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Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Today's Frontline Devotion Thursday, February 26, 2004 Focus on Gratitude |
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Frontline Devotion for
Thursday, February 26, 2004, by Pastor Dave Sonnenberg
Robert Wicks once challenged a group of some 600 pastors to spend at least 2
minutes a day in prayer. The way he put it was this - “I challenge you to spend
two minutes each day in silence, solitude, and wrapped in gratitude.” The group
looked at him rather puzzled as if to say - “shouldn’t we be praying more than
that?” He read their minds and began talking about how so many sit down to
pray and their mind starts to get filled with tasks to be accomplished, errands
to run, people to see, and places to go.
Lent presents us with a time to do more reflection. I challenge you, as I
challenge myself, to try and spend some disciplined time in gratitude in the
days ahead. One of the things I think we will discover is that gratitude sparks
more gratitude. When we give thanks to God for a blessing, right around the
corner is another blessing that is ready to be named.
Being grateful does not always come easy. There is so much in life that can
lead us to moan and complain. Intentionally focusing on being grateful to God
lifts our Spirit and opens our eyes to the beauty of God’s goodness.
Lord God, this Lenten season please open our hearts. Pour into us a sense of
awareness. Make us aware of how you lead and guide us. Make us aware of the
love you extend to us. Make us aware of the people you plant in our path.
Make us aware that you are with us on our journey. Teach us to be grateful. Teach us to reflect on the ways you bless us. Transform us to live each day in
the spirit of gratitude. In the name of Jesus. Amen
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All are welcome to join and share in our Devotional Ministry on the "Frontlines" of the world. Frontline Devotions are sent via email daily. Sign up by clicking on the box to the left. Pastor Dave welcomes feedback. Contact him at pastordave@goodshepherdonline.org. |
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