A dear friend of mine who lives in Texas knows that I am an avid mug collector. Recently, she sent me a beautiful mug that says, "I still remember when I prayed for the things I have now." The sentiment on this mug made me start thinking about all of the blessings God has graciously bestowed upon me over the years as a result of my prayers, and how I need to be more thankful for them.

"I still remember" when a relationship that I cherished for three years suddenly and painfully ended, and I began fervently praying for the spouse that was God's choice for me. The Lord introduced me to my husband, Joe, in the autumn of 1973, and we have been together ever since.

I still remember earnestly praying for children of my own, when at the age of 19, I was diagnosed with a disease that could rob me of my child-bearing abilities, and I underwent a surgery that could prevent me from ever becoming pregnant. God graciously answered my prayers by blessing me with two healthy sons.

I still remember praying year after year for grandchildren when it looked pretty certain that I was never going to be a grandmother. The Lord eventually blessed me with three grandchildren of my very own.

I still remember when I prayed for decades for Joe and I to be free from debt, and God suddenly opened doors that enabled us to pay off our mortgage and all of our other debts.

I still remember when I gave up every friend I ever had, after I surrendered my life to Christ for real, and I began earnestly praying for believing friends. God has graciously blessed me with precious sisters in Christ who love me, and pray for me and my family.

Scripture says, "Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving." (Colossians 4:2 NASB) The Bible makes it clear that the Lord loves it when we petition Him for our needs and desires. But it also instructs us to be thankful for the blessings that He has already graciously given us. As my new mug encourages us to do, let's still remember when we prayed for the things that we have now!

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for taking Your blessings for granted, and for failing to give thanks for them on a regular basis. Work in my heart so that I will always be "overflowing with thankfulness," according to Your Word. (Colossians 2:7 NIV) Remind me that the quality of my gratitude can greatly affect my prayer life. (Philippians 4:6) Thank You that as I continually remember Your gracious answers to my prayers, my joy will abound, and You will be glorified!