The Mentoring Manifesto, Vol. 43: Practicing Intentional Gratitude
Imagine going to the doctor with a list of symptoms…
- My body aches.
- I can’t sleep.
- I’m stressed out.
- I’m anxious and depressed.
- But other than that, I feel great!
At the end of your appointment, the doctor pulls out a prescription pad, jots down the order, and you head to the pharmacy. Thinking you’re about to get a magic pill, you look down at the note and see only one word…gratitude.
Last month, Positive Psychology published “The Neuroscience of Psychology.” This lengthy article summarizes what neuroscientists have been observing for years…gratitude is a miracle drug that can rewire our brains, but it requires intentionality.
We can turn to Scripture for a few helpful examples of how to practice gratitude. In John 11:41-42, before calling Lazarus out of the grave, Jesus models gratitude as He pauses to give thanks, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.”
The author of Psalm 100 provides us with another model. I particularly enjoy how The Message paraphrase of Psalm 100:4 suggests that gratitude should precede worship, “Enter with the password: ‘Thank you!’ Make yourselves at home, talking praise. Thank him. Worship him.”
As we gather around tables this week for Thanksgiving and then as we dash toward the end of another year, I hope you will join me in intentionally prioritizing gratitude. The resources below will help as you practice gratitude and model it for others.
A final challenge to you: If you are grateful for the resources Radical Mentoring provides, including these regular newsletters, would you consider paying it forward? We provide our mentoring process to churches and mentors for free, and your supports help keep this global movement moving! Join us!
THE NEUROSCIENCE OF GRATITUDE
UNEXPRESSED GRATITUDE
GIVE THANKS: A 21-DAY READING PLAN
FORGIVE ME FOR THE DAYS I WAS NOT GRATEFUL
Breathe New Life Into Your Discipleship
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