An Important Part of the Equation We Often Miss

Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.
~Aldous Huxley

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6

God gave you a gift of 86,400 seconds today. Have you used one to say "thank you?"
~William A. Ward

Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.
~G.B. Stern

I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.
~G.K. Chesterton

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.
~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

I am attempting the "with thanskgiving" portion this week before every prayer. So far? It has doubled my joy. It has given me peace. What more can I ask for?

Prayer

When you pray, you are not starting the conversation
from scratch, just remembering to plug back into a conversation
that's always in progress.
Anne Lamott

Prayer is not asking.
It is a longing of the soul.
It is daily admission of one's weakness.
It is better in prayer to have a heart without words
than words without a heart.
Ghandi

And so I pray.

My heart exults in the LORD;
my strength is exalted in the LORD.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
There is none holy like the LORD;
there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.

1 Samuel 2: 1-2

Less is More

Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will shine on you.

Ephesians 5:14