40-Day Worship Experience Youth Devotionalਨਮੂਨਾ

Sometimes we forget how powerful our thoughts are: they affect our decisions, emotions, conversations, and actions. The good news is that our thoughts are under our control. We get to choose what we focus on. That means that even in the craziness of life, we have a lot of control over our day because we can choose positivity over negativity.

The simple prayer “Jesus, thank You” is a way of taking control. Why? Because it shifts your focus off the bad things around you and onto the good God who is with you. You can always find reasons to be discouraged or to complain. But if you try, you can find even more reasons to thank Jesus for what He has done, is doing, and will continue to do.

When you pray, try starting with gratitude. This doesn’t mean you can’t pray about what is wrong or what you need. As we saw earlier, “Jesus, I need You” is an important prayer too. Gratitude isn’t about ignoring bad things, but rather about seeing the bigger picture. It’s about noticing the good as well as the bad. I’m sure there are mornings when you wake up feeling sad or anxious, but thankfulness can break that negative mood and bring God’s goodness back into the center of your mind.

Today, as you pray, inhale and say, “Thank You, Jesus,” then exhale and say, “Lord, I praise You.” Next, personalize the sentence. “Jesus, thank You for .” Fill in the blank with as many things as you can think of, and watch as your mind clears, your heart settles, and your day changes.

Reflect

Are there specific moments or situations when choosing thankfulness is especially hard for you? What are you thankful for today?