Religious Education and Social Justice

Make a Gratitude List Every Day and Pray with It 

Gratitude can be one of the most fruitful forms of prayer. When we specifically notice things to be grateful for, we become aware of and acknowledge God’s constant presence in our lives. Practising gratitude daily is a practice that can change your whole attitude and it doesn’t have to take a lot of time.

Anytime is a good time to start this practice. Here are some specific steps for praying in gratitude:

1. Find a comfortable and quiet place.
2. Make the Sign of the Cross.
3. Ask God to show you where He was present in your day.
4. Think about some things from the past day that you are grateful for:
   • It is good to have a minimum number of things to come up with each day – 3 or 5 or 10 for example
   • Try to be specific. Instead of being grateful for your family in general, think of a specific interaction with a family member
5. Spend a little time enjoying the memories of the things you are grateful for.
6. Thank God for each of these and any special circumstances which made them possible.
7. End with the Sign of the Cross.

Prayer of  Gratitude

God, we thank You for who You are 

and all You have done for us. 

We praise You when life is hard. 

We praise You when life is happy. 

We choose to thank You 

in all that’s in-between. 

You alone deserve to receive glory. 

In Jesus’ Name, 

Amen.

Jane Wilkinson

Religious Education Leader