May Your Grace Fill Me with Gratitude and Humility (Prayer Journal 282)

Father, in Jesus' name, I am grateful for Your unwavering faithfulness, goodness, kindness, love, and patience towards me. I have spent too many of the moments You have granted me pursuing selfish ambitions with an ungrateful heart. You have done so much for me, often without my realizing it, and my natural response should be to glorify and thank You wholeheartedly. However, I often take for granted what I do recognize or wish that You had given me more or something different.

The reality is that You provided me with everything I could ever need when You gave Your Son, Jesus. He forgave my sins, redeemed me from the bondage of sin and brought me out of darkness into Your wonderful light, transformed me from death to life, and from the power of Satan to God, and adopted me into Your royal family as Your child. Despite this, I frequently place demands on You regarding how this life You've granted me should unfold.

You have blessed me with an amazing wife and wonderful children to be with in time here on earth. Yet most of my time with them I am checked out and not fully engaged. Forgive me for not faithfully and wisely stewarding over opportunities and relationships that You have given to put Jesus on display. Forgive me for complaining and grumbling when You give me opportunities that are not exactly what I want.

Forgive me for measuring myself against others and frequently feeling competitive and envious within. Lead me to a point where I am genuinely thrilled about what You are accomplishing in the lives, marriages, families, and ministries of others. Guide me to be still and recognize that You are God, exalted above the heavens and among the nations. Assume Your rightful place and reign over my heart. Assist me in humbly surrendering and dedicating my life to You. In Jesus' name, Amen!