When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?

Psalm 8: 3-4

Father, when I consider the vast universe you have created, the sun, the moon, the stars, the sky, the earth with its rich vegetation, the deep mysterious forests, the majestic blue ocean, the lakes and rivers teeming with sea-life, the birds of the air, and the vast array of animals of every size and color, what indeed is humanity that you care for us? 

Thank you for creating us in your image (Genesis 1:27), and what a wondrous, incomparable image it is, this body, this mind and this soul uniquely constructed to glorify you.  Thank you, Lord, for placing us a little lower than the angels (Hebrews 2:7), and yet denying us nothing, and instead elevating us to a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9), to friends (John 15:15) and to co-heirs of the Kingdom (Romans 8:17).

Thank you, Lord, for the hard times, the lean times, and the mean times because they cause us to wait on you and trust in you.  We thank you for the heartaches, the tears, the persecutions, the confusion and doubt, because the testing of our faith produces perseverance, perseverance; character, and character, hope (James 1:3-5).

Thank you, Almighty God, for the good times, the joyful times, and the bounteous times because they cause us to praise you and testify to your goodness.  You alone, are our sun and shield.  Thank you for favor and honor, for open doors, for health, for purpose, for family, for friends and for love.  No good thing will you withhold from those who walk blameless before you (Psalm 84:11).

And when we feel unworthy Father, remind us yet again, not for what we have done or not done, but only for what he has done for us.  This wonderful Jesus, loving us, while we were yet sinners, freely giving up his life for us, that we might be reconciled forever to you, through the shedding of his blood, and the forgiveness of our sins. 

Today, I just want to say, “Thank you!”  Amen.