Prayer for May

GRATITUDE!

INTRODUCTION

Thank you! Merci! Gracias! In every language the words "Thank you" are used many times in a day: "Thank you for passing the salt," "Thank you for the letter;" "Thanks for holding the door open;" "Thank you for your words of affirmation." One of the values that we need to develop in our Christian Living is gratitude. This month we will strive to take steps that will lead us to an attitude of gratefulness. This attitude is one that we are encouraged to practise each day of our lives. Jesus encouraged others to express their gratitude as we see in the following story from the apostle Luke.

JESUS HEALS TEN LEPERS

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him - and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well."
Luke17: 11-17

REFLECTION

What is your reaction to the lepers who did not return to give thanks?
What excuses could they have had for not returning?
Recall an incident in your life when you did something for someone and they were not grateful. How did you feel?
Identify times in your life for which you are grateful.

SUGGESTIONS TO DEVELOP AN ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE

At the end of each day recall three people or events that you want to give thanks for.
Make a list of things you are grateful for. Add to this list daily.
Write a letter to someone who has made a difference in your life. Express your gratitude to that person.
Compose your own prayer of gratitude to God.

PRAYER

"For all that has been I give thanks.
For all that will be I give thanks".

We invite you to share your comments
What are you grateful for in your life and why?
Send comments to: Sr. Thérèse Meunier
tmeunier@csj-to.ca

For other prayers, see this page