1st - 7th September 2025
As I came to write this week’s prayer diary, I knew exactly what I wanted to say because of a prayer last week by someone on Glenabbey’s staff when they prayed about thankfulness and gratitude using the phrase, ‘from salvation to breakfast’. It really stuck with me and, to be honest, impacted me!
In my mind the most important decision that anyone can make in life is to repent and believe in Jesus and accept his free offer of salvation, but ‘breakfast’, that is something I really can take for granted in the morning without really giving it a second thought.
So, having been challenged by this phrase in a prayer, I started to ask myself how grateful am I for the small things in life as well as the big things because, in many ways, gratitude is more than just a feeling – it should be a way of life for those who know and follow Jesus!
Just read these words, ‘the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is your faithfulness’. (Lamentations 3:22-23).
Each and every day, God’s love is constant, it never ceases, his mercies are new and never ending. That’s just incredible and if this truth does not engender a spirit of thankfulness and an attitude of gratitude, I’m not sure what will!
For me, being grateful for the big things in life is easy but for the smaller things like breakfast, the warmth of that first cup of coffee or tea, or the comfort of falling into bed at night … it’s in these small details and pleasures that our gratitude should be evident.
It can be easy to become overwhelmed with life’s demands and, let’s be honest, the disappointments that also inevitably come our way. But when we intentionally look for reasons to thank God, we begin to notice that he is everywhere – working, providing, guiding and loving us. Our thankfulness stretches from the gift of salvation to the everyday pleasure of a breakfast.
Each morning, we have an opportunity to experience God’s presence and mercies, he didn’t just give us a better life, he gave us new life through his Son, Jesus Christ. Everything else flows from that truth. Our sins are forgiven, our shame is lifted, and we are called sons and daughters of the King of kings!
And yet if I was to say … if God never gave us another thing would salvation alone be reason to praise him for eternity? That’s one for us to ponder.
But thankfully he does give us more. Each new day is a gift. The breath in our lungs, the roof over our heads, the food on our tables, the people in our lives – these are all daily reminders of God’s faithful provision.
So, how do we cultivate a grateful heart? I think it begins with awareness. Paying attention. What are you eating today? Who are you sharing life with? What simple joys do you often overlook? As the old hymn by Johnson Oatman goes, ‘When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.’
Gratitude has the ability to transform our outlook. It softens complaining hearts, turns worry into worship, and leads us into deeper intimacy with God.
When we give thanks for what we already have, we find contentment, even in seasons of waiting or difficulty.
So, this week, let’s try to begin each day thanking God for the joy of salvation to the pleasure of having our breakfast.
Written by David Mairs
MONDAY
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy.” Titus 3:5-6
Heavenly Father, I bow before you in awe and thankfulness for the gift of salvation. It still amazes me that it was nothing to do with me, but it was all to do with your mercy and love for me. Help me to never forget that my standing with you is not based on my performance, but rather on your unconditional love, forgiveness and kindness. Let my life reflect this truth as I seek to see others in the way that you see me. Thank you for rescuing me and giving me the joy of being your chosen, loved child. Amen.
TUESDAY
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23
Heavenly Father, thank you for this new morning. As the sun rises, I am reminded of your steadfast love and compassion, which never fail and are renewed every single day. Thank you for giving me breath in my lungs, strength in my body, and a heart that beats with purpose. Let me not take today for granted but rather seize today and make it count for you. Help me to live with intentionality and to seek to live in a way that is pleasing to you. Thank you that your faithfulness is unshakable, and I am grateful that your mercy, your compassion are new every morning. I love you, Father. Amen.
WEDNESDAY
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.” Matthew 6:31-32
Heavenly Father, thank you for knowing my needs before I even get around to speaking to you about them! Help me to trust in you and to rest in you. As you care for the lilies and the birds, how much more do you care for me? Today, I release my worries about what I lack over to you and choose to focus my mind and heart on your faithfulness. Thank you for the food on my table, the roof over my head and those who love me and care for me. Teach me what is means to live simply, to give freely and to trust you deeply. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
THURSDAY
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
Heavenly Father, thank you for the people you have placed in my life – for family, friends, work colleagues and church family, who encourage and care for me. I thank you, Father, for every time I remember them, knowing that each relationship is a gift from you. Help me to see others through your eyes, to love them with your love and to appreciate the moments we share. Teach me to be a blessing to others as much as I am blessed by them. Let my gratitude show in my words and actions toward those you have given me to walk alongside in these days. Amen.
FRIDAY
“We also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
Heavenly Father, I thank you for the hard days as well as the better days. Though I may not understand all my struggles, I trust that you are working in them for my good and for your glory. Help me to accept that your word reveals to me that suffering is not wasted but rather it changes me by producing perseverance, building character and deepening my hope in you. Teach me what it means to lean into you, to depend on you when things are difficult. Help me to trust in your timing which is always perfect even when I struggle to accept it. Will you use every trial I face to refine me into the person you want me to be. I love you and trust you. Amen.
SATURDAY
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” Mark 6:31
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Son, Jesus, and for his invitation to rest in his presence. In a world that constantly demands more of my time and attention I am so thankful that you offer me the opportunity to find a quiet place, to be still, to rest and enjoy your presence. I need this. Help me to prioritise spending time with you no matter how limited that may be. Help me today to step away from the busyness, to quiet my heart, and to remember that my worth is not in what I do but in who I am in you. Let this day be one of refreshing, where I find rest for my soul and joy in your presence. Teach me to reflect on your goodness, to see the blessings I often overlook, and to savour the still moments with you. Help me experience rest. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
SUNDAY
“Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” Hebrews 12:28
Heavenly Father, thank you for the unshakable kingdom I now belong to because of what Jesus has accomplished on the cross for me. As I come before you in prayer today will you fill me with the reality of your presence. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who indwells me and enables me to live for you. Help me to be sensitive to his leading and promptings. I am so thankful and my heart is full of gratitude when I consider all you have done for me. I worship you today. Fill my heart with awe and reverence. Let my worship be more than just words but rather may it flow from a grateful heart that recognises that I am your child, loved, chosen, accepted and forgiven. Thank you for the assured living hope I have and for the promises that cannot be shaken. Thank you for saving me. Amen.