A Prayer of Thanks

I received this very moving and poignant prayer a few days ago via email, sent directly by YouVersion, a free Bible mobile app with a mission to bring the beauty and truth of the Bible into everyday life.

The day when this prayer reached me, I haven’t been able to ignore it since then. I feel a strong urge to continue to be grateful in all circumstances, even though I know that in many moments I am not okay, I am going through so many problems, challenges and various life trials. Most of us can be thankful, for lots of things, at lots of times, but in ‘all’ circumstances? That can be tough, and I am no exception.

There are many reasons that I often fail to give thanks for everything, at all times, and this prayer has helped me to build a habit of gratitude. And because of the changes I am allowed to experience, I would also like to share this prayer with all of you, my dear friends, all who may pass by on my blog. I hope this prayer strengthens you. No matter what you face, God’s goodness and mercy will never leave you.

Stay strong my friends. You never fight the battles alone. Be thankful in all circumstances. Always be joyful. God is working things out for good. God hears our prayers, He sees all, and knows all. God has a purpose for our pain and He surely brings hope for our tomorrows..

God, You are good, and Your steadfast love endures forever! Even in the hardest seasons, I always have a reason to worship You.

Thank You for giving me victory and abundant life in Jesus Christ! Although I don’t deserve it, You shower me with unconditional love and forgiveness.

And so no matter what the future may hold, I will shout for joy because You are with me. You comfort me and bless me in the presence of my enemies. Nothing compares to You and no weapon can stand against You. In all things, I am more than a conqueror through You!

Be glorified through me, God. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart bless Your name.

I want my life to bring You praise.

In JESUS’ name, Amen.

Gold in the Making

This month, I continuously got an assignment to read the Bible in a church. I will be in charge of reading the Bible in the daily Mass on the 21^st of February. Catholics call this role (those who proclaim God’s word in the liturgy) as Ministers of the Word or Lectors.

I very rarely share this experience, because it was already familiar to me. Something that I have done repeatedly since childhood, since I was a primary school student, many years ago in my hometown on the island of Flores.

Yet, the story is different at this time. When I practiced reading the passage which I’m going to read at Mass later, I felt profoundly touched, as if God is speaking specifically to me through the Scripture.

The reading is taken from the Book of Sirach, chapter 2, verses 1 to 11.

Sirach 2: 1 – 11
1	My son, if you come forward to serve the Lord, prepare yourself for temptation.
2	Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be hasty in time of calamity.
3	Cleave to him and do not depart, that you may be honored at the end of your life.
4	Accept whatever is brought upon you, and in changes that humble you be patient.
5	For gold is tested in the fire, and acceptable men in the furnace of humiliation.
6	Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him.
7	You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; and turn not aside, lest you fall.
8	You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not fail;
9	you who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for everlasting joy and mercy.
10	Consider the ancient generations and see: who ever trusted in the Lord and was put to shame? Or who ever persevered in the fear of the Lord and was forsaken? Or who ever called upon him and was overlooked?
11	For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of affliction.

Dear friends, as you read through this passage, I pray these Bible verses fill your heart with hope and strengthen you. It is so refreshing to know that we can rest in the strength and comfort that God will provide when facing troubles of many kinds. Remember if God brings you to it, He will bring you through it!

[2017]