Sunday Morning Prayer May 3, 2020

A Thankful Mindset
Devotions by Chris Hendrix
Several years ago, I taught a sales psychology class. It was designed to help
salespeople stay mentally tough because they’re rejected so often. One of the things I
taught in it was the Law of Thanksgiving. It stated that the more we give thanks, the
more we have to be thankful for. It was all about counting your blessings and then
giving thanks for every one of them. It really is an attitude changer when you decide
to be thankful each day to find something in your life to be thankful for. The first
couple of weeks are pretty easy, but after that, your mind starts to get stretched and
gets creative in looking for things to be thankful for. It ultimately changes your
perspective on your life and changes how you look at the world. In a time where the
news is dominated by statistics of people getting sick and dying, it’s a great time to
reprogram your mind to looking for things to be grateful for. Matthew Henry, a
Welsh minister in the 1600’s, demonstrated this line of thinking when his wallet was
stolen. He said, “I am thankful that he never robbed me before. I am thankful that
although he took my wallet, he didn’t take my life. Although he took all I had, it
wasn’t much. I am glad that it was I who was robbed, and not I who did the
robbing.” He had adopted a mindset of being thankful and it changed his perspective
on things that happened to him. It’s a mindset that we all should have, and I believe
it starts with reminding ourselves that all we have has been given to us by God. He is
who we need to be thankful to.

Psalm 16:5 says, “You, Lord, are all I have, and you give me all I need; my future is
in your hands” (GNT). It’s important that we start with the thought that God is your
source of everything and and that everything you have belongs to Him.
“The Lord gives and the Lord takes,” is how Job put it. Being mindful of this helps
keep our minds right when the future is uncertain and fear wants to creep in. He has
and will continue to give you all you need. Your future is in His hands, not yours.
Following the Law of Thanksgiving is a great way to remember that and to give
thanks where it’s due. It will allow you to worship during calamity and to be content
whether you have a little or a lot. It’s the mindset I believe God is calling us all back
to.
809 Charlotte St. at Linn
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
Ph. (513) 421-0570
Website: www.brightstarcc.org
TODAY'S PRAYER:
PRAYER FOR A TIME OF ANXIETY (CROSSWALK.COM)
It seems that I return to you most easily when I need comfort,
O God. Hello… here I am again, knowing that you are waiting for me with love and
warming light. In the shadow of your wings I find respite and relief that feeds my
innermost self and renews my soul. Day and night, you are my refuge.
These uncertain days of news conferences and quarantines tempt me to assume the
worst for my loved ones, myself and my community. “Pandemic” is a frightening
word, and I can easily feel confused or helpless to respond. Now I am relying on you
to lead and guide me, to put my anxiety in its place. Help me see it as a human
response that keeps me conscious of the seriousness of this moment, but do not let it
overwhelm my spirit. Sustained by your love, I choose each day to let peace reign in
me. Breathing deeply of your calm, I repeat, again and again, “You are here.”
Good and gracious Companion, my family and friends need tranquility and
assurance. Help me to offer them your tenderness. Those in my community who are
suffering need care. Help me to be generous and to keep contact with the forgotten.
Our world calls for cooperation among national leaders, scientists, health care
providers, and all who are instrumental in overcoming this crisis. May my prayers
and support be with them all. I have come back to you, and I will return, knowing
that your open arms will never fail. Lord I’m thankful and grateful for your love and
comfort in times like these. God of hope may your love blanket the earth, as you
teach us to live more generously today than yesterday. May my anxiety be
transformed into love. In the name of Jesus, I pray, Amen.

We lift up in prayer
Healing for or World from COVID-19
Clear Vision In 2020
Bright Star Family
Bright Star Leadership
Bright Star Ministry Opportunities
Sick & Shut-In
Family and Friends
Our City, State and Nations
Our Leaders and those in Authority
809 Charlotte St. at Linn
Cincinnati, Ohio 45214
Ph. (513) 421-0570
Website: www.brightstarcc.org