Grow Your Gratitude
From Leaderpedia
by Robert Walter
Purpose
To learn the value of giving thanks.
To feel more joyful.
To develop a heart of gratitude and the character of Christ.
…give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.–St. Paul the Apostle (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
Exercise
1. For what do you most consistently give thanks?
2. (Solo) Meditate on 1 Thessalonians. 5:18 and use the numbers 518 from this scripture reference as a prayer prompt. Whenever you see 518 on a clock or a bill or a telephone number, stop to give thanks to God for something you have not thanked him for.
3. (Solo) Memorize one of the following per day during the coming week: 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Psalm 118:1, Ephesians 5:19-20, Philippians 1:3, Colossians 3:17
4. (Solo) Keep a “Gratitude Journal” (page 54 in Cultivating Christian Character). List five items per day that you are thankful for. Your daily list may be repetitive at first but you will find it expands as the weeks pass with many new and formerly unrecognized blessings.
5. (Pairs) Remember the poor or those with severe limitations in your prayers (the disabled, homeless, handicapped, refugees, persecuted, abused, etc.) Do a little research about one of these groups of people so you can pray with greater interest and accuracy. Share this with your intercessor and pray together. Realizing how other people handle difficulties in life can make us more grateful for our own life.
6. (Solo) Envy is the chief assailant of gratitude. Whenever you notice envious thoughts enter you mind, replace them with a recollection of your blessings and focus on what you have rather than what you think you lack. Thank God. For every complaint, offer three words or prayers of thanks.
7. (Pairs) Call or meet one person in each of three groups: family member, friend, school or workmate. Tell them what you are thankful for – either for who they are or for what they’ve done (Ephesians 1:16).
8. (Solo) Read chapter 10 from Character Matters – Nine Essential Traits You Need to Succeed, by Mark Rutland.
9. (Subgroup) Grow your gratitude by spending time serving someone or some group that has a lot fewer reasons (than you) to give thanks (2 Corinthians 9:12). Plan a servant event.
Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.—Cicero
