READ Luke 17
Jesus describes the circumstances surrounding His second coming.

INSIGHT
Gratitude is beautiful to witness. When a person’s eyes light up as they open a gift, the giver enjoys the experience as much as the receiver. We appreciate gratitude, and so does the Lord. He loves to see His children rejoicing at His many good gifts. Gratitude to the Lord can be cultivated. Imagine what your life would be like without the Lord’s grace. Show the Lord that you appreciate Him by nurturing an attitude of thankfulness.

PRAYER
Offer your praise to the Lord who is so liberal with His good gifts:
It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praise to your name, Most High,  
to declare your faithful love in the morning
and your faithfulness at night,  
with a ten-stringed harp and the music of a lyre.  
For you have made me rejoice, Lord,
by what you have done; I will shout for joy
because of the works of your hands
(Psalm 92:1-4).

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession:
If only my ways were committed
to keeping your statutes!  
Then I would not be ashamed  
when I think about all your commands
(Psalm 119:5-6).

As you reflect on God’s mercy, confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to your mind. Now pause to pray this affirmation to the Lord:
You have given me the shield of your salvation;
your right hand upholds me,
and your humility exalts me.
You make a spacious place beneath me for my steps,  
and my ankles do not give way (Psalm 18:35-36).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, pray for:

• A renewed commitment to showing gratitude for God’s many blessings
• Opportunities to encourage other believers
• Your activities for the day
• Whatever else is on your heart

Close your prayer time with the Lord with this offering from the pages of Scripture:
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows (James 1:17).