Have you been grateful to God for all His goodness? Did you even say, “thank you Lord”
By Bishop Jerry Pena, God’s anointed servant
Many times we go through life without pausing to acknowledge God’s goodness. We come to Him in our times of need, but once our prayers are answered, we quickly move on as though He were just a vending machine to dispense blessings. Yet God is not only our Provider—He is our Father who longs for our thanksgiving and gratitude. When we stop to remember His benefits, our hearts are stirred to worship and our souls are lifted in praise.
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart overflowing with gratitude. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name! Thank You, Lord, for redeeming my life from destruction, for crowning me with lovingkindness and tender mercies, and for satisfying me with good things so that my youth is renewed like the eagle’s. Thank You for healing my diseases, for sustaining me through trials, and for surrounding me with Your unfailing love. Truly, You have been my Shepherd, my refuge, and my peace in every season of life.
Lord Jesus, I thank You for the priceless gift of salvation through Your sacrifice on the cross. Because of You, I have forgiveness of sins, access to the Father, and the hope of eternal life. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide me, comfort me, and empower me to walk in truth and holiness. Thank You for the daily bread You provide, for the roof over my head, the breath in my lungs, and the strength in my body. You have blessed me with family, friends, and the fellowship of believers—reminders of Your goodness and grace at work all around me.
Father, I also come with repentance. Forgive me for the times I have forgotten You when everything was going well, and only remembered You when I was in need. Forgive me for treating Your goodness lightly and taking Your blessings for granted. You are not a God to be used, but the Lord to be loved and honored with all my heart. Wash me in the blood of Jesus, and help me to live every day with thanksgiving, mindfulness, and devotion to You.
Thank You for lifting me up when I was down, for answering prayers both spoken and unspoken, and for turning my mourning into dancing. Today, I give You all the praise, glory, and honor, for You alone are worthy. May my life be a living testimony of Your goodness, and may I continue to bless Your name forever.
In Jesus’ mighty name I pray, Amen.
“I will enter His gates with thanksgiving in my heart.”
Unforgiveness reopens old wounds. Instead of healing, the pain festers, turning into bitterness. Hebrews 12:15 warns: “See to it that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.”
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”
We live in a world captivated by the temporary. People pour their lives into careers, possessions, relationships, and achievements that, while not inherently evil, become dangerous idols when they eclipse eternal realities.
