My Personal Prayer of Gratitude

“We sometimes think that being grateful is what we do after our problems are solved, but how terribly shortsighted that is. How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?” Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Recently I was feeling burdened with the challenges my loved ones were facing.

I awoke one morning with all the concerns and worries on the forefront of my mind.

As is customary for me, I knelt to pray, but rather than launch into my list of needs and desires, I felt to give thanks.

I was a little surprised. There were so many needs! Would my loved ones miss out if I didn’t ask for help? And how does one express gratitude when all you want is for that hard thing to end?

Yet, my heart was wanting to express gratitude!

So I began.

The words flowed and I was surprised at what came to mind to be grateful for, even the challenges themselves! My eyes were opened and I expressed gratitude for even the things that didn’t appear to be thankful-worthy.

I didn’t necessarily know why or see a connection to any hidden blessing, but it felt right.

So I gave thanks.

My heart swelled and having ended the prayer with only expressing gratitude, I felt enlivened and at peace.

I was able to go about my day, knowing my prayer was heard.

This experience taught me that

Sometimes when things seem the hardest, the surest way to peace is in giving gratitude.

With love,