Praying T.A.C.O.S. – a Fresh Way to Talk With GodSample

Day 1: Thanksgiving

Gratitude isn’t always easy. Especially when your story is filled with pain.

I think about Valerie, a woman I interviewed who grew up feeling completely unwanted. She was told, both with words and actions, that she didn’t matter. She believed the lie that her life was a mistake. After years of running from God, she found herself broken and empty. But instead of turning away, she took one small step toward healing, and that’s when everything began to shift.

It didn’t happen overnight, but Valerie started noticing things she had never seen before. A friend who stayed. A quiet moment of peace. A door opened when she least expected it. Each small gift became a reason to say, “Thank You, Lord.” Gratitude helped her see God’s hand even in the hard things.

Today, Valerie works at a pregnancy resource center, helping women who feel just as forgotten as she once did. Her life is now a reflection of the grace she learned to be thankful for.

That’s what gratitude does. It rewrites the story. It doesn’t erase the pain, but it gives us eyes to see where God is still moving.

Reflection:
Is there something in your life today, even something small, that you can thank God for? What would happen if you started your prayer with that?

Prayer:
Jesus, I admit that thankfulness isn’t always my first response. I want to see Your goodness, even when life feels uncertain. Help me begin with gratitude today. Thank You for Your presence, Your patience, and the promise that You are not finished with my story. Amen.