Blake Long

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for giving me life; for waking me up every morning, for putting air in my lungs. Help me to never forget that each breath I take is given directly from your providential hand. Help me, by your grace, to be aware of the fleeting nature of life, which will cause me to be perpetually grateful for every last second you give. Also, Lord, give me the courage to face everyday like it’s my last, knowing you have the power to bring life, but also take it away — and yet you’re always good.

Lord, I thank you for my wife; for providing me with a wonderful woman who not only loves me, but far more importantly, loves you. You, in your knowledge of all things, caused everything to align and bring Shale and I together. When I ponder the depths of your providence and sovereignty regarding bringing us together, I am forever thankful for how you orchestrated things.

Gracious Father, I thank you for our children; Jovi and Piper are simply gifts of your unfathomable grace. Each has her own special personality; both of them were fearfully and wonderfully made; they are both wonderful children, Lord, and I pray you give Shale and me the grace to parent them well, and to raise them up to love and follow you.

Lord, I am also thankful for my job. For years I was discontent with where you placed me. I was disgruntled and it caused me to complain against you, even if I didn’t realize it. Thank you for showing me my arrogance and lack of gratitude. You always provided; you always gave me a job even when I didn’t understand my purpose. And now I go into work excited and know that, whatever I do, I do to your glory.

God, thank you for my church. Though it’s not perfect, I am filled with gratitude to be part of a church that seeks to honor your name in all things. I’m thankful for my church community, that I, and the rest of my family, are surrounded by like-minded believes who love you and your Word.

Further, Lord, I thank you for my pastors. I am grateful that you have placed me under the care of men who seek to communicate to the congregation the Word of God in season and out of season; that they do not shy away from difficult topics; that they are okay with carrying out church discipline if necessary. Father, I’m thankful to be part of a church that takes Scriptures seriously and doesn’t rely on gimmicks, entertainment, or the like to attract people, but relies on the Spirit working through Scripture.

Lastly, Lord, I thank you for saving me; for electing me before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in your sight. I am such an unworthy recipient of your sovereign heaven and yet you saved me. Father, that is only possible because of the work of your Son, Jesus Christ—who is my Savior, my Redeemer, my Friend. Lord I thank you for the substitutionary work of Christ on behalf of those who believe. I thank you for saving me when I didn’t feel the need to be saved.

Lord, thank you for who you are as the triune God. In Jesus’ name, amen.