How to Grow in Gratitude

In anticipation of Thanksgiving next week, we are focusing on gratitude. How can we be more grateful for the many blessings we receive from God? How can we practice gratitude for the many ways people love us and serve us? In this episode Danielle leads us into the holiday season reminding us of four practical ways we can give thanks to God and give back to others.

Snippet From the Show
It's not hard to find the things to be grateful for, but you do have to be deliberate about it.

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In anticipation of Thanksgiving next week, we are focusing on gratitude. How can we be more grateful for the many blessings we receive from god? How can we practice gratitude for the many ways people love us and serve us? I share the following ideas:

Pray an examen.

The examen is an Ignatian spiritual exercise that, when prayed daily, helps you to be more aware of the presence of God in your life and be more thankful for the many blessings you receive each day.

Volunteer.

Focusing on the needs of others is a great way to become more aware of the many ways that God blesses you every day.

Express it.

When you say out loud or write down the things you are thankful for, they are underscored in your heart and mind. Write a thank you note to someone or keep a gratitude journal, or verbally thank the people who are blessings to you, in big and small ways, every day.

Remember tough times.

Think back to times in your past that were very hard or challenging for you. Recall how God got you through those times and recognize the ways that you have grown stronger as a result of those experiences.

Listener Question (29:55)

At the end of today’s show, I share a question from listener Christine who asked about a recent episode where I shared a quick prayer practice I learned from Fr. Mike Schmitz. That was in the 27:00 minute mark of my recent episode on humility.

Song of the Week

This week’s song is How Great Thou Art by Salt of the Sound. Take a moment, listen, and pray! What are you listening to?

Danielle’s new book, Whisper: Finding God in the Everyday, is available to order!

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