Tuesday - Enter In - Day 2

Welcome to daily prayer.

This week we are reflecting on a life of gratitude.

Today we remember that when we rejoice, pray, and give thanks, we are aligning our lives with the will of God.

As we begin our prayer now, let’s quiet our hearts and minds before the LORD.

Lord, I come to you with an open heart. I surrender my words, my attitude, and my responses today. I lay down grumbling, comparison, and complaining. I consecrate myself to you again to proclaim your praises. 

Lord, you brought me out of darkness into your marvelous light. I set aside anything that would hinder me from loving you. 

O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth will declare Your praise.

A Scripture Reading from 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

A Prayer of Adoration

Holy God,

I worship you. Your will is for my good. You are life-giving and I rejoice in your grace. You have saved me by grace and you sustain me moment by moment. You are near, you are faithful, and you are worthy of praise in the midst of every circumstance. Jesus, you are my joy and my peace and I adore you.

Prayer of Confession

Lord, I confess that I often resist your will. I complain when you invite me to rejoice. I focus on what is missing instead of what you have provided. Forgive me.  Forgive me for words that diminish joy rather than magnify your goodness. Cleanse my heart and train my tongue to speak truth about you.

Holy Spirit, keep drawing my heart back to gratitude.

A Prayer of Trust

Father, I trust that your will is at work even when circumstances are hard. I rejoice in you because you are the source of life. Even when I don’t understand I know that you are with me. You are my refuge. I trust that giving thanks even in hardship shapes my heart and strengthens my faith. I look to you for life. 

A Prayer of Intercession

Lord, I lift up those facing uncertainty, illness, or financial strain. Would you provide for them and be near to them. For those who are uncertain about the future, strengthen them with the knowledge that you are their refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.

Father, we pray for prodigals. interrupt their running with dissatisfaction. Awaken their hearts to the goodness you have provided in Christ.

We pray for the older brother, those who obey but have lost their joy. Who don’t know who you are. Free them from resentment and comparison. Restore thanksgiving that flows from your grace, and not simply obligation.

Lord, I pray for us as your people, we want to be those marked by joy and gratitude and we need your help. 

A Moment of Reflection

Lord, where am I resisting your will through complaining and grumbling instead of rejoicing in you and giving thanks?

A Closing Prayer

Lord, I rejoice in you today. Teach me to pray, to give thanks, to celebrate who you and what you are doing in the midst of every circumstance. 

In the name of Jesus,

Amen.

We are spending this week focused on gratitude, feasting, and hospitality.  As we finish our time, I want to encourage you to send an encouraging text or write a letter to someone who may feel overlooked or is having a difficult time. Let them know you are grateful for them! The Lord be with you today.