Leader:Â Over and over the Bible tells us to rejoice in the Lord, give thanks, and pray continuously.
1. Assign the following scriptures to those in your group who like to read.
1 Thessalonians 5:1
Philippians 4:4-8
Romans 12:12
1 Chronicles 16:8
Psalm 28:6-7
Psalm 100
2. Leader: Read the old time hymn, "Count Your Blessings."
When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed,
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will keep singing as the days go by.
When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings. Wealth can never buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
Count your blessings, see what God hath done!
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done
3. Leader: Say something like: Over and over, the writers of Scripture (and somewhat ancient composers) encourage us to give thanks, be joyful, and to pray continuously. Let's spend some time together doing just that! We are going to count our blessings … we are going to name them one by one.
4. In popcorn style have your group speak out things that give them real joy. Allow for 3-5 minutes to do this.
5. Next have your group pray sentence prayers of thanks. Like, "Lord thank you for my job."Â Ask them to pray several different times, in popcorn style, as things come to mind. Again allow for several minutes of thanksgiving.
6. Ask for each person to thank God for one circumstance that is not necessarily something they are particularly happy about but that they are trusting God will work out.
7. Close this time by thanking God for his many blessings and for all the circumstances of life because we know and trust that God is working all things out for our good.
