🙏 Gratitude in Difficult Seasons

Scripture Foundation: 1 Thessalonians 5:18; Romans 8:28

“Even here, I will give thanks.”

Let us pray:

Gracious Father,

Today, we come not with perfect lives but with brokenness, weariness, and burdens. And yet—even here—we lift up a song of thanksgiving.

Your Word tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” So Lord, even in the hard places, we thank You.

We thank You for the valleys, for it is there that You draw near. We thank You for the trials, because they produce perseverance, character, and hope. We thank You that even when life doesn’t go according to our plans, it always goes according to Yours.

You are the God who turns graves into gardens, mourning into dancing, ashes into beauty. And so, with trembling hearts and tear-stained faces, we still declare: “God, You are good, and Your mercy endures forever.”

Lord, we know that Romans 8:28 is true—that You work all things together for the good of those who love You. So we trust You. We trust You when we cannot trace You. We thank You when we do not understand, because we know You are sovereign and kind.

Thank You, Lord, for the strength You give when we have none. Thank You for the comfort that comes from Your Spirit. Thank You for the joy that can coexist with sorrow.

So teach us, Lord, to be a thankful people—not only when the sun is shining, but when the clouds roll in. Help us lift our eyes to You, the Maker of heaven and earth. Let our lives proclaim: "Even here, I will give thanks."

In Jesus’ strong name we pray,

Amen.