Daily Devotions

So on  to the third of Pope John Paul ll's Lenten Quote.  “Lent is the favourable time to offer to the Lord sincere thanks for the wonders he has done for humanity in every age, and especially in the Redemption when he did not spare his own Son.”

Lenten thankfulness is a way of acknowledging what God has done for us and expressing gratitude for the blessings in our lives. It's a way to practice being thankful and to remember that we depend on others.  

During His earthly life, Jesus demonstrated his thankful spirit publicly through His words, prayer life, and attitude. Before meals, Jesus thanks His Father for the food (Matthew 15:36). Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus begins by praying, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me” (John 11:41).

We are not born grateful creatures. Take a baby for just a little while and you’ll probably hold in your arms what could be best described as a schizophrenic! One minute cooing, the next crying; one minute silent, the next screaming; one minute friendly looking into your eyes, the next flailing every limb with bowed back and blood-red face; one minute smelling sweet, the next…well, you know!

Babies are not born saying, “Thanks”. It is not even the first word they learn. In order for children to learn to return thanks, they must be taught.

How should we practice Lenten thankfulness? Here are a few suggestions.

Give thanks to God: 

Thank God for his provisions, 

and for the gift of life 
Be grateful for others: 

Thank friends, strangers, 

and neighbours for their help 
Give thanks publicly: 

Acknowledge what God has done 

for us in a public way 
Practice gratitude daily: 

Start your day by thanking God for life 
Keep a gratitude journal: 

Record things you're thankful for 

Thank you Lord for this Season of grace. Help me to grow in my love for you especially expressed in the sacrifice of yourself to set me free. Flood my heart with love and appreciation. Amen