Thanksgiving

The lives we lead mean that most of us ‘get on with life’ every day. We wake up, get ready, work, cook, clean etc. and we get through our days and make plans for the future. We sometimes dwell on the past as well but it is very difficult to just ‘be in the present’.

I have felt a push today to mention that we should start each day in thankfulness and praise of God. Before the busy day starts, it is very valuable to us to stop and thank God for a new day; thank him for all he gives us – both those things we are aware of and those that we might miss; and finally praise and worship him for being our God and for his beautiful gifts of creation and love for us.

By doing this, it will enrich your life and if you can also involve God in your day, that would make it even better. It isn’t easy, especially when we are busy and have lots on our mind, but it is so rewarding.

There are two prayers I pray daily. One was written by St Richard of Chichester (whose saints day it is today) and St Ignatius:

St Richard of Chichester

Thanks be to thee, my Lord Jesus Christ, for all the benefits you have given me; for all the pain and insults you have borne for me. Most merciful redeemer, friend and brother, may I know you more clearly, love you more dearly and follow you more nearly, day by day. Amen.

St Ignatius of Loyola

Teach us good Lord to serve you as you deserve, to give and not to count the cost, to fight and not to heed the wounds, to toil and not to seek for rest, to labour and not to ask for any reward save that of knowing that we do your will. Amen.

God bless you and may God walk with you through your day,