Whatever life may throw at us – and, of course, it can throw a great deal – it also brings innumerable blessings, so many that, were we to try, we would struggle to count them all. I never lose sight of that; indeed, I am conscious each day of how fortunate I am, and of how much I have to give thanks for compared to so many in this world whose lot is hard indeed. Here, then, is a prayer (once again written for my forthcoming book Still, Still with Thee) of simple praise and gratitude: a heartfelt response to everything God has so generously given us.
Bless the Lord, O my soul; from my innermost being I will extol the holy name of the one
who satisfies my desires with good things.
Psalm 103:1
For the joy of living, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of feeling, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of walking, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of laughing, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of eating, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of thinking, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of speaking, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of listening, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of reading, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of working, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of relaxing, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of planting, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of harvesting, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of hugging, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of sharing, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of giving, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of receiving, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of sleeping, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of dreaming, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of hoping, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of exploring, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of discovering, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of befriending, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of caring, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of loving, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of being, Lord God, I bless you.
For the joy of believing, Lord God, I bless you.
For this life,
so full of joy,
so rich and special,
Lord God, I bless you.
Amen.