Day 8

‘Give thanks in all circumstances.’
1 Thessalonians 5.18

Reflection
A constant prayerful spirit of gratitude is not pained politeness but persistent hope. In thanking his captors, Nelson Mandela changed their lives.

Gratitude offered when hope seems a fiction is a conscious decision that despair will not win.

Beginning with rejoicing, then moving to thanksgiving, fosters personal peace to face the darkest of valleys and a trust that all is never lost.

The tears of the Christ at the tomb of his friend are not weakness but strength: a ready demonstration that God feels our pain and shares our grief, while contradicting our chaos with compassion.

And so hope, in the end, not least for the unity of all God’s people, rises, thankfully.

Prayer
God of trust and God of tears, give strength to our prayers and hear our thanks for all you are and all you do, and all you give to help us through the lives we lead! Amen.

Action
Count – literally – your blessings.Enumerate your reasons to be cheerful.Only then pray your complaints!

Readings
1 Kings 18.20–40
Confrontation on Carmel

Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd

1 Thessalonians 5.13b–18
Give thanks in all circumstances

John 11.17–44
Jesus weeps and Lazarus rises