A favorite prayer of mine is a simple request: Create in me a clean heart, oh God, and renew a right spirit within me.

Based on Psalm 51:10-12, the sentence starts a piece of the Lutheran liturgy which continues to echo in my soul. The short hymn was sung as the offering was presented.

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
and renew a right spirit within me.
Cast me not away from your presence,
and take not your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of your salvation
and uphold me with your free Spirit.

A key way for the Lord to renew a right spirit within me is through gratitude. I confess that I can slip into periods of fear and distrust, when I am closed to God’s Spirit. The right Spirit of God is one of thanksgiving for many, many, many blessings that shower around me. A practice for me at Thanksgiving is to start a list of gratitude.

The gift of Jesus and his eternal love and grace for me.

The gift of life in which I live, and breathe and have my being.

The gift of creation where beauty and wonder surrounds me each day.

The gift of family who love, encourage and support me in my calling.

The gift of God’s family where we can experience God’s love and joy.

The gift of God’s Word that promises vibrant life in Christ.

The gifts of baptism and communion where God’s Word penetrates and enriches our world.

The gift of Resurrection Lutheran Church where I am called to do what I love.

The gift of families who energetically enter into the life of Christ.

The gift of worship where I can sing God’s praise and enjoy being a child of God

The gift of many children in worship who love to share Jesus in special ways.

The gift of friends who run beside me in the race of life, even on the craziest of winter days.

For what are you thankful?

Lord Jesus, thank you for being the Lord of my Life.