Week 1: Praise & Thanksgiving

Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens!  Ps 150:1

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.

Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are His*;

we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; 

give thanks to him and praise his name.For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations. 
Psalm 100    
 *Psalm 100:3 Or and not we ourselves

Prayer focus...

Think on the words of this Psalm and Worship Him.

Spend extra time this week focusing on praising His name privately and publicly.

Pray for a joyful and thankful heart despite circumstances.

Thoughts to ponder...

What are 10 things off the top of your head you are thankful for?  

What trial or challenge are you presently or recently thankful for? 

How can you “enter His gates with thanksgiving & His courts with praise” this week?

Action Step...

Keep a praise/gratitude journal for self and/or family.

Make a praise jar for the summer and decide together a way to celebrate when the jar is filled.

Commit to waking up each morning with praise on your lips! Let the first words out of your mouth be a word of thanks or praise. "Thank You God for this day" Phil 4:4-13

Share your list of things you are thankful for with someone.

Memorize: Psalm 100  

Week one of "7 Weeks to a Healthier Heart"