Do not turn away in pride, fear or guilt from the One who seeks only the best for you and your loved ones. Come before your Eternal Creator with open minds and hearts and discover the blessings of the gospel anew. Be vulnerable to divine grace.

[From Let Gratitude Show You the Way: A 21-Day Devotional Guide, Herald House, 2012]

Grace is a gift that’s meant to be received. And gratitude? That’s something you give in response to God’s grace. Gratitude is an act of generosity; it’s something that you give freely as a gift. No hooks, no conditions—a gift.

Gratitude takes time. It takes time to let generosity make room in your life for giving. It’s something you practice with yourself, and with others, and with strangers. It’s not about having enough money or things or items or time to give away. Generosity is first and foremost an attitude of the heart. A position of grace. Generosity knows that all of life is a gift, and from this position of grace and freedom, it gives of itself as a gift.

Generosity can be confronting. It flies in the face of modern-day systems of owning, consuming, and making our own way at the expense of others. Instead, generosity declares that there is enough for everyone.

Prayer Phrase

“For everything created by God is good” (1 Timothy 4:4).

Spiritual Practice

Joy of Gratitude

Stand, if possible, with arms outstretched. Imagine God filling your arms with all that you have: family, friends, and possessions. Hold out your arms until they feel tired. Now, bring your arms across your body. Place your hand over your heart and thank God for the abundance that fills your life. Sit for a time aware of that abundance. Then ask God to help you open your heart in gratitude and share freely with others.

Today’s Prayer for Peace

Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.