Connecting With Jesus

“Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18

Reflections: When did you last thank God?
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The first followers of Jesus were encouraged by one of their leaders named Paul to “pray continually, and give thanks in all things”, which they were able to do with the help of a system of short prayers they would recite throughout the day called “berakhot” (‎ברכה pronounced “ber-aw-kot”), which translates as “blessing”.
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These “berakhot” prayers helped remind people to thank God throughout every day.
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While we don’t have to stick to a system of rules covering when and how we should pray, I think most of us would benefit from focusing on the positives around us. I think now would be a good time for us to show some gratitude for the good things we’ve received from God, don’t you?
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As one preacher says; “Unexpressed gratitude is experienced as ingratitude. It’s not enough to feel gratitude, you’ve got to express it”.
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Today, would you consider saying these ancient words of a “berakhot” to express your thanks to God?
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“Blessed are You, the Lord our God, ruler of the universe who speaks the evening into being and arranges the stars in their place. Blessed are you Lord, who brings on the evening”.
Pr Maika Peehikuru