Prayer Of Thanksgiving!

As Paul wrote to the church at Colossae, he urged. . .
"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. AND BE THANKFUL." ( Colossians 3:15 ESV)

Life can be challenging to say the least. Nevertheless there is much for which to BE THANKFUL! Knowing the blessings that are ours in Christ should bring us a sense of peace as well as aid in maintaining a sense of THANKFULNESS. Here in the United States of America we celebrate a holiday marked on the calendar as "THANKSGIVING." However, "THANKSGIVING" ought to be the focus for every day!

I do not generally write out my prayers (though I did recently respond in prayer via e-mail to two teens who had requested my prayers on behalf of themselves and others), but I would like to share in prayer with each of you today. The fact that "teEn-MAIL" has drawn us together is something for which I am truly THANKFUL.

Have a great day (AND LIFE) OF THANKSGIVING!
Carl

Here is my "PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING" for today:

Our Father in Heaven, thank You for another precious day You have provided. As we accept this day as the gift it is, may we unwrap it and put it to use in a manner that truly reflects the deep appreciation we have for the precious gift it is. Thank You that for now You intend life here in this realm to go on and help each one of us serve your purposes for which You have given us life. Thank You for the opportunities to join with family and others, both to encourage them and hopefully direct their focus toward You. It is to You we give thanks for every blessing of both a spiritual and physical nature.

Father, I thank You for technology that allows us to connect with other Christians from around the world. Thank You that though geography may separate us, by Your Spirit we can still be drawn close together as Your Family in Christ. I thank You for bringing the messages together for each day and for those who have introduced "teEn-MAIL" to others, helping this facet of my ministry grow. I also thank You for those who have found other uses for the "teEn-MAIL" focuses.

Father, I thank You for the "teEn-MAIL" recipients (teens, families, home-schoolers, youth leaders, preachers, missionaries and others) and the encouragement they have become to me. I thank You for those who have asked me to pray for them and I thank You for those who have prayed for me and my ministry. I thank You for those youth leaders who are working with youth and have a heart for them and concern for the building up of their lives on a solid spiritual foundation by directing them to Your Word and for the various means by which they strive to nurture these young people.

Father, I thank You for the teens who have a desire to focus daily on Your Word and pray that they are taking the time to dig deeper into the Scriptures even beyond what is written in these daily focuses. I thank You for the teens who are leading devotions and Bible studies at their schools and pray they will remain strong in their faith and resolve to hold to the standard of Your Word and Will. I also pray for those teens who are leaders in their youth groups, that they will continue to grow in their usefulness to You (for Your glory) and to others.

Father, thank You for the encouragement I have personally received from so many I may never meet face-to-face this side of Heaven. Thank You for the opportunity they have provided for me to share in their lives. Thank You for the power of Your Word to guide, sustain, uplift, support, and encourage us all on life's journey.

Father, thank You for Your salvation, for Your grace, and for Your mercy that come with each new day You bring. Thank You for life. May our choices today reflect our sincere love for You and appreciation for all You have provided. It is You Who are worthy of our greatest praise and thanksgiving, not just for today, but every day. May that praise and thanksgiving be acceptable to You.

This is my prayer in the Name of Jesus our Lord.
Amen!

See other teEn-MAIL on Thankfulness