WEEK 6: GRATITUDE
“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others!” (Cicero)
WEEK 6: GRATITUDE
We are at the end of our We Pray 40 journey. Thanksgiving may be the focus of the last week but it is not the least of the virtues in the Kingdom of God. As Cicero so wisely said, “Gratitude is the parent of all” other virtues.
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances. This is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). This is God’s will for you? Above obedience and moral living? Why? Because praise, prayer and thanksgiving give birth to all other virtues. God blesses a grateful heart because a grateful heart is only possible through faith.
Consider how gratitude relates to each weekly focus of the last 40 days. Repentance (week 1) is the result of a thankful heart (week 6) that believes (week 2) and knows God is always faithful to forgive (week 3). (1 John 1:9) This grateful heart is humbled by the amazing grace of God (week 4) and therefore experiences God’s peace (week 5) and dispenses it in every encounter with humanity.
Luke 17:20-21 says: “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say ‘here it is’ or ‘there it is’ for the Kingdom is within you.”
In this final week may the “Kingdom within you” explode out of your heart into your words and actions. Do you know what that looks like? Would you recognize it if you saw it? It looks like Gratitude, Worship, Praise, Joy and Expectancy!
Buckle your seat belts! God is going to move this week!
