Prayer Tip: More Blessed to Give Than to Receive

by Angela LaVallie Tinsley, Facilities Team Director

(Angela wrote this thought-provoking prayer tip for Thanksgiving, 2018)

I don’t think being grateful necessarily stops at saying “thank you.” Of course, we are not required to do more, but true thanksgiving can’t help but be lived out.

When we really appreciate what we have, we want others to be blessed in similar ways. If we never face hunger, we want others to be fed. If we have a roof over our heads, we want others to have one too. If we are part of a family or community, we want others to experience that too.

As we move beyond stewardship and Thanksgiving into Advent, I encourage you to ask God to guide you in exploring ways you can live out your gratitude. For some people, that may mean committing to tithe for the next year or giving financially to organizations which provide goods and services to those who can’t afford what we take for granted. For others, it might mean donating new or gently used clothing or household goods. Some might sort donations at a food pantry or serve a meal at a shelter. Still others may build low-income housing, tutor children, or pray with someone who is hurting and lonely. If you are grateful for your blessings, find some way to bless others. There are countless options through Resurrection, in the Greater Kansas City community and wherever you live.

Lord God,
Thank you for the blessings in my life. I want to bless others. It’s such a simple thing, but so often, I find obstacles to keep me from acting on my gratitude-–limited finances, time, energy, indecision. Help me overcome the challenges I face that prevent me from doing your good works to bless others as you have blessed me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.