A Grateful Heart - Your Nightly Prayer - August 14
A Grateful Heart
Your Nightly Prayer
By Rachael Adams, host of The Love Offering Podcast
TONIGHT'S SCRIPTURE
"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him." — Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV)
SOMETHING TO PONDER
Through my car window, I saw a man slouched against the wall outside a pizza parlor. His clothes were torn, and a worn grocery sack at his feet seemed to hold all he owned. Moved with compassion, I ordered an extra pizza and drink to give to him. When I approached, I smiled and gently handed over the food. But instead of gratitude, he hurled the pizza at me. Shocked and hurt, I quietly walked back to my car, wondering why God would prompt me to give if it would be received with anger.
It was one of those moments that makes you pause and question: Was it worth it? Have you ever given generously and been met with rejection or indifference? You're not alone. Even Jesus experienced this. In Luke 17, ten men with leprosy were healed—but only one returned to thank Him. Jesus asked, “Where are the other nine?” He noticed the absence of gratitude. And yet, He healed them all. Jesus didn’t show compassion only to those who appreciated Him. He gave because that’s who He is.
That encounter outside the pizza shop taught me something important: our giving is not about how others respond. It’s about our obedience to God. When I give, I’m not doing it for applause or thanks. I’m doing it as worship. Every kind word, every quiet act of service, every unseen gift can become sacred when done in Jesus' name. The man’s reaction revealed his brokenness, not the worth of my gift. And while I still remember that day with a twinge of sadness, I also remember that the measure of my kindness is not in the response I receive, but in the heart with which I give.
YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER
Lord,
Thank you for being the giver of every good and perfect gift. When I’m tempted to hold back because of past hurts or disappointments, remind me that my kindness is an offering to You, not a transaction with others. Help me to give with open hands and a grateful heart, whether I’m thanked or not. Transform my perspective so that I might see every opportunity to love as a chance to reflect You. Make me more like Jesus—faithful, generous, and kind.
Amen.
THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON
1. When have you struggled to continue giving because of an ungrateful response?
2. How can you reframe your giving as worship rather than a means of approval?
3. What is one way you can show gratitude to God tonight—through prayer, praise, or an act of kindness to someone else?
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/EmilyNorton
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