A Gratitude Attitude

I’m not real sure who originated the phrase, “An attitude of gratitude,” but many a preacher has preached a sermon with that title, most delivering it around the Thanksgiving season. One source attributes the origin of the phrase to motivational speaker Zig Zigler, who said, “The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for.” An internet search reveals numerous books with this phrase in the title. Brian Tracy, a Canadian entrepreneur, public speaker, author and development trainer, well known through his seminar training and training audios said, “Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation.” I am a strong believer in giving credit where credit is due. So I prefer to site the origin of the phrase with the Apostle Paul who wrote, “Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God” (Colossians 3:16, HCSB). But that’s enough research. How about if we practice an increased gratitude attitude this week?
Join me in praying for the following global concerns:

• Origin Church is a new church start in the University of British Columbia, a community of 40,000 students and another 40,000 non-student residents, plus those who are employed by the University. They have a possibility to purchase a building for their church, adjacent to the core of the University. In the city of Vancouver, one of the highest cost-of-living cities in the world, the estimated price of the property is high. Pray that God, for whom cost is insignificant, will impress on those who have the means, to donate.
• Pray for the Pastor’s Family Camp to be held this coming week in a highly secure area of the Far East.
• Pray for medical clinics in 5 Ukraine towns/locations this week.
• Pray for the 40 days of prayer program for university students in Braunschweig, Germany.