I could not enter this season of gratitude without acknowledging just how thankful I am for you. Each week the aim of She Prays is to encourage you, the reader, the She Yearns Community member, the woman who stops by out of curiosity, or anyone needing to be lifted up to the Lord. It is my joy and privilege to do so. Thank you for allowing me this privilege.

But today I want to do something different. On this occasion I want you to be lifted up out of my own personal gratitude. Words are not sufficient for expressing how much I appreciate the women of She Prays and those who walk out life alongside me on this cyber road. For you I am ever grateful.

Life can bring challenges too great to carry alone. With those challenges surges of loneliness and feelings of inadequacy can emerge. What comfort we have in knowing we are together in common goals and good– even though most of us are physically apart.

As you experience the joys and festivities Thanksgiving often brings, remember the charge Paul gives the church at Colossae.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Colossians 3:15

Research demonstrates the benefits of personal gratitude. From experiencing physical benefits to mental shifts, to improvements in your overall satisfaction with life, being thankful can forge a healthier path forward. It seems Paul is not simply giving a dogmatic directive because he can, but inviting us to experience life in a capacity he doesn’t want us to miss.

For you, I am truly grateful.

A Prayer of Thanksgiving Over You

Lord,

How grateful I am for my friend. Her presence here brings joy to my heart and lifts my thoughts. Thank you for bringing her here. Give her a heart that wants to know You better. Grant her safety when she travels. Hear her when she prays and help her believe you are for her good. Provide all that she needs to experience Your presence more tomorrow than she did today. Help her to be a light and encouragement as she interacts with the difficult people in her life. Give her wisdom in which way to go and what to do. Bless the work of her hands. Tender her heart toward what breaks Yours. And lead her in becoming more like Jesus day by day. Help her feel her value and know she is loved and appreciated. Thank you, again, for bringing her my way. What an encouragement her presence officers. I thank You for the gift of this precious one.

In the Name of Jesus,

 Amen

Did You Know?

For the one who feels invisible, largely passed over, and insignificant – Cheri has created a resource for you. Grab your copy of Can You See Me, Now? Good news for the lonely, left out, and less than and join the Strange Readers Café. We will be going through the book together beginning Oct. 3 until December 16 – just in time for Christmas.

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You can meet Cheri on the She Yearns blog for more truth-saturated, Gospel-centered encouragement like this: