A Habit of Gratitude

　　Your Nightly Prayer for Jan. 20, 2025

　　by Sophia Bricker

　　TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. - 1 Chronicles 16:34

　　SOMETHING TO PONDERLooking forward to the next thing in life is a habit most of us follow. The next day, a fresh season, the latest trend, a new year. Our days can so often be focused ahead that we do not pause to consider the blessing of the time the Lord had just given us. But God was present in our past day just as He will be in our tomorrow. What we need to foster is a habit of looking back.

　　There is an ancient church habit in some traditions to pray a daily examen. Part of this time of prayer is to reflect on the day and offer thanksgiving to the Lord – a posture and practice that is reflected in 1 Chronicles 16 and throughout the book of Psalms. What could be a better way to unwind at the day’s end than by considering the goodness of our God, whose “faithfulness continues through all generations” (Psalm 100:5). For we have much to be thankful for since He saved us and made us His own.

　　In the Bible, we find numerous examples of people looking to the past and thanking God for what He has done. David paused in the celebration of bringing the Ark of the Covenant back to Jerusalem and considered all that the Lord had accomplished. He had been faithful to the covenant promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (1 Chronicles 16:15-18). These realizations caused David to express gratitude to the Lord, inviting all to “proclaim his salvation day after day.Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (1 Chronicles 16:23-24).

　　Even if our day was a shadowy, stormy one, there is still reason to rejoice. We can offer resounding praise because Yahweh, the great I AM, is God (Psalm 100:3). His love never expires, and His glory is beyond measure. Adopting this nightly habit of gratitude will take time. But pausing in our rush forward to consider our great Lord and Savior allows us to end our day in peace and look forward to the next with hope – A hope that is established in the goodness and love of God.

　　YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYERYahweh, You are God, and You are loving and good. My day had a few clouds that blocked my view of Your majesty, but that does not change the truth of Your Word. Guide me as I spend time reflecting on Your faithfulness during the past day, giving thanks for Your kindness, which was evident then, now, and will be forever. In Jesus’ name, amen.

　　THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON1. A practice that encourages gratitude in your life – Do you keep a gratitude journal, offer prayers of thanksgiving during a practice like examen, or tell God “thank you” through song?

　　2. An aspect of God’s character. How was His love or goodness, for example, evident in your life today?

　　3. All the various celebrations people have surrounding “new things.” In what ways can you celebrate or mark occasions that invite you to remember what God did in the pas

　　Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Jacob Wackerhausen

　　Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.

　　Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!