An Evening Prayer

An Evening Prayer

God, today is nearly complete. I prepare to get needed sleep to prepare for tomorrow. Before I retire, let me make time to thank You for Your many blessings.

You have made a way for me to get to this moment safely. You provided me with health and strength to cope with the challenges today. Your grace and mercies were abundant; even though I did not notice them always.

Thank You that today I had enough food. I am not going to bed hungry; unlike millions of others around the globe.

Thank You that I had enough clothes for today and I will have enough for tomorrow. The poorest people would call me rich if they saw the options I have in my closet and drawers.

Thank You that today I had easy access to plenty of water for drinking, washing and cooking. Meanwhile many millions in Africa and India did not have access to clean water today.

Today there were little things like a flush toilet and air conditioning that made my life better. Yet millions in remote villages did not have such conveniences and comforts.

Thank You for my employment and income. There are many that are unemployed.

Thanks for my family and friends. My relationships with them are not perfect. But thank You that I have those connections, unlike orphans and those without any friends.

Thank You for the local church where I am a member. Thank You that we can assemble peacefully, unlike all places in the world. You have made a way for us to gather for fellowship, service and worship. May I never take this wonderful opportunity for granted.

You went to great lengths to reveal Yourself in the Bible. You guided the writing and translating of Your Word. You provided wonderful preachers and teachers to open up Your Word. Thank You for this rich source of spiritual food for me and others.

The advertising industry worked hard day and night. They wanted me to notice what I do not have. They tried to get me to want to buy more stuff to fuel an endless search for happiness. But I choose to pause. I notice what You have provided. Thank You for these provisions.

I request that You open my eyes to see the many other provisions You make.

I ask You to work into my heart and mind genuine gratitude for who You are and what You have done. May I often and easily thank You for your many blessings in the coming days.

Amen.