A Gratitude Prompt for Writers

The pastor’s voice was soft yet confident as he read. My fingertip slid across the page of my Bible, hungry for each word until a misunderstanding soured my craving.

“[G]ive thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18, ESV)

He paused. Silence worked its way through our gathering until every eye looked to him. The pastor smiled. “Y’all might be thinking to yourselves, How can I give thanks for everything — even the bad stuff in my life?” That question echoed through my thoughts. How would he reply?

“Look again. Did God command us to give thanks for everything?” I saw it before he said it: “He did not. God said to give thanks in everything.” That night, one word forever changed my perspective on gratitude.

But where would I be if not for the obedience of the pastor? His commitment to study God’s Word and share his expertise changed my life. Little did I know how the power of one word in the hands of God’s messenger would affect my writing life today.

Isn’t that what we crave as writers? Don’t we desire to use our words to lead others to life-changing liberty? Gratitude is a great place to begin.

Can you finish the following statement? “Father, thank You for …”

That’s a gratitude prompt I use when I journal, and I am convinced this discipline is making me a better writer. When I began using my gratitude prompt, there were times when I wondered how I would complete the statement. But commitment to His will developed trust in His way, even amid despairing times.

Choosing a life of gratitude opens the door of infinite opportunities for learning new ways of expression. It brings clarity; circumstances do not dictate my ability to give thanks to Him. Practicing gratitude develops my confidence for encouraging others.

Journaling in this way helps me pour out thoughts that bottleneck and prohibit creativity. My gratitude prompt begins the release of words in prayer to my Father. Because my journal is intended to be private, I never feel hindered to just be myself. It’s one way my unique voice has emerged, one that has no need to mimic — or be influenced by — others.

Here is a peek into one of my gratitude prompts:

“Father, thank You that little in my perspective is great in Yours.

One care cast on You.

One word on a page.

One step in faith in You.

One hope expressed.

One choice to trust.

Each small move is a great victory in Christ, in life.”

Friend, gratitude to God is fertile soil for experiencing liberty in life. Don’t forget Him in the good times. Don’t turn away from Him in the bad times. Choose to express gratitude in every season, and you will never cease to walk in the power of His Word as you write.

Blessings,

Charla Matthews

Do you have any favorite writing prompts you utilize in your writing? Share in the comments below!