Through stillness, prayer, praise, journaling, and walking we can cultivate gratefulness, soaking in gratitude.
Practicing gratitude is a daily discipline that feels more like a celebration than we may generally associate discipline with. You know, exercise, house cleaning, paying the bills, and all that. But I find spiritual disciplines are always more uplifting, insightful, inspiring, and energizing. We thank our glorious Creator for all His goodness, provision, protection, and abundance.
One of my favorite ways to soak in gratitude is when I am with nature. This is such a wonderful experience. For instance, I walk on our town’s golf cart paths which are also walking paths that go through wooded areas (we have 100 miles of them!)
Why should we practice gratitude?
Gratitude is praising God and why wouldn’t we want to praise Him? Also, endless studies find that gratitude is good for your physical and mental health. It not only puts us in God’s arms but also creates positive attitudes and feelings. Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!
How do we Soak in Gratitude?
Ways to cultivate and practice intentional gratitude –
Stillness: Stillness allows us to be with God with no distractions. Where we feel His love and comfort. Who is not grateful for this?
Prayer: Intimate conversations with God is about as best as life gets. Now I know sometimes it is more like yelling or crying. But we know who has our back, who will never leave us, and who is always with us.
Praise: Praising God for His goodness, sovereignty, and all He does is joyful. Therefore, rejoice without ceasing. You will indeed have smiles on your face all day long.
Walking, biking, running, and driving: As we move through the world, our eyes soak in the beauty of God’s creation. We feel the sun on our shoulders, the wind massaging through our hair as if touched by love. Also, the calming action of passing by images is stimulating. I put driving in as a drive out to the lake, or park is nice too. And we ought to be mindful as we engage in our activities, thanking God for everything we see and how we feel if the scent of flowers or fresh rain is delightful. I use this time also to have tender conversations with God.
Journaling: Writing a gratitude list is an excellent way to develop and express gratitude. I have a God’s faithfulness journal where I write the dates of all the beautiful things He has done in my life and those around me.
These are just some ways I practice and soak in gratitude. I would love to hear how you intentionally practice and soak in gratitude.
PRAYER FOR INTENTIONAL SOAKING IN GRATITUDE
Dear heavenly Father, it feels so good to be in your gloriousness. Thank you for Your tender loving kindness. I praise you and glorify you. There will not be enough walks, journals, or time to list the marvelous wonders of You. You who are good, faithful, full of love. Thank you for always being with me, in the stillness, on the walk, while praying, in my journals, day-to-day, and moment-by-moment incredible journey of togetherness. Your blessings are astounding! Glory Glory Glory Oh God Almighty.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving;
Psalm 95.2 NKJV
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-28
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Deborah, your graphics are beautiful and your focus points easy to follow! It’s good to read your work, my friend!
Misty thank so much.?
We have so much to be grateful or every day if we just take the time to look and think and appreciate.
I agree one hundred percent with you, Barbara.
Glory to God! These days I’m particular about intentional gratitude. I realize that even in seemingly little things, Gods mighty hands are at work.
Thank you, Deborah!
Debby! Yes I believe it is important to be intentional seeing God’s goodness everywhere!
One way I like to practice gratitude is to remember God’s agape love for me–this love means He has the best for me. So even when I am on a path I would never have chosen I can know that God has the best for me and it is a journey of His making and I am therefore grateful. He is doing a work that could not be done any other way.
Susan, I love this. It is so important to remember God’s agape love for us and that He has the best for us. Thank you!
It’s amazing how many ways that God has blessed us with to celebrate Him!
Hi Helen! Yes God blesses us and let’s do celebrate!
Debbie, these are wonderful ways to soak in gratitude.
Paula, thank you. Blessings to you!
Thank you for these reminders!
I enjoy spending time in nature and soaking in His Presence. Such beautiful moments drawing near to Him and having Him draw near to me. Wow! 100 miles of golf cart trails. What a wonderful opportunity you have for walking. I’m rejoicing with you, Deborah!
Lisa, hi. Yes it is a unique town and one of the reasons we moved here. We don’t own a golf cart as we prefer to walk or bike. Thank you! God is good.?
Hi Deborah,
I love your thoughts about journaling and the lovely prayer you’ve shared.
Thanks for linking up!
Blessings,
Tammy
Tammy, thank you so much. Blessings?