Category Archives: Morning Prayer

Gifts from the Old Testament

More than a few Christians skip right over the Old Testament, thinking the New Testament is all they need. That’s like leaving half the presents under the Christmas tree unopened. Jesus said, Matthew 5:17 (EXB) “Don’t think that I have … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for New Creations

A name and face kept interrupting my thoughts. It was my difficult, arrogant boss from a short-term job decades ago. Moving on, I’d put those unhappy months out of my mind. A quick internet search led me to my former … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for a “No” Answer

“Thanks for prayers that Thou hast answered, Thanks for what Thou dost deny!” Thanks to God August L. Storm, 1891 Trans. Carl L. Backstrom, 1931   Yes or No, God is right — He always is.   Good morning, Lord. … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Long Legacies

I’m part of a church established more than a hundred years ago. Folks long dead had the faith to buy the property and build a house of worship. I’ve listened to sermons, vacuumed the sanctuary, taught Bible lessons and served … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Good Discipline

Proverbs 3:11 (MSG) But don’t, dear friend, resent God’s discipline; don’t sulk under his loving correction. It’s the child he loves that God corrects; a father’s delight is behind all this. Discipline isn’t punishment. It’s correction, and sometimes it is uncomfortable. Like it … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Closed Doors

  I’ve bumped up against a few closed doors in my adult life: the great job I didn’t get, the cute house we couldn’t buy, the friendship that didn’t work out. Yes, I was disappointed.   Psalm 23:3 (NIV) … … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Good Health

I’m quick to complain when my stomach is upset or my joints ache or my head throbs or my sinuses drip. Am I equally quick to give thanks when I feel good? I don’t think so. 3 John 2 (TLB) … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Safe Travel

Late for a meeting, I muttered in frustration as I stopped for the yellow light. The dump truck ahead of me sped through the intersection and hit a bump. A rock bounced out and landed right where I would have … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Temptations Avoided

  Matthew 6:13 (NIV) … lead us not into temptation …   Over the years, I’ve prayed those words hundreds of times. I picture God stringing caution tape across my path, setting up a detour or closing a gate. And … Continue reading

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Missed Gratitude for Beans

I don’t know that I’ve ever thanked God for the lowly bean. Fiber, protein and vitamins packed into every bite. Low-cost, big impact. Available almost everywhere. Sounds like good planning on the part of the Creator. And overlooked by me. … Continue reading

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