Preparing Our Hearts for Annual Session: 30 Days of Prayer and Devotion - Day 5

Day 5 – Overflowing with Thanksgiving 

Rev. Dr. Miriam Méndez

Executive Minister and Senior Regional Pastor

 Scripture: 

 "...rooted and built up in him... overflowing with thanksgiving."  —  Colossians 2:7 

Reflection 

Thanksgiving is more than a response to blessings received; it is a way of seeing the world through the eyes of faith. Gratitude reminds us that God is present and active, even in seasons when challenges seem to overshadow joy. The apostle Paul encourages believers to be rooted in Christ and overflowing with thanksgiving because a grateful heart remembers that every good and perfect gift comes from God.

For those engaged in ministry, it can be easy to become focused on unfinished work, unanswered prayers, or the needs that remain around us. Yet gratitude invites us to pause and remember how God has already been at work. We give thanks for lives transformed by the gospel, for congregations that continue to serve faithfully, and for the countless acts of kindness and generosity that often go unnoticed yet reflect the love of Christ.

As we prepare for the Annual Session, gratitude grounds us in hope. We remember the rich legacy of ministry entrusted to us and celebrate the many ways God continues to work through churches and leaders throughout ABCNJ. The God who has been faithful in the past remains faithful today and will continue to guide us into the future.

Prayer 

Generous God, open my eyes to the many signs of your goodness and grace. Fill my heart with gratitude for your faithfulness, and help me share that spirit of thankfulness with everyone I meet. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Practice 

Write down five ways you have experienced God's faithfulness during the past year. Offer a prayer of thanks for each one and consider sharing one of those blessings with another person.