Dear God,

I have brothers and sisters and I don’t always like them. It made me sad when I heard that you sent your only son, that you loved, to visit people on earth and die for the them. But when I got older, like 7, I understood what a wonderful present that is! So instead of being sad I am happy!

Thank you God.

• Judy, age 8

Dear God,

My dad died when I was a baby, my mom died when I was a young boy. I was passed around from aunts and uncles until they gave me to an orphanage because no one wanted me. But now I have a family that loves me and forgives me and helps me.

Thank you God for my Christian family.

• Christian in Cambodia, age 22

Dear Loved Ones,

I do not want anything, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need.

I rejoice in the Lord greatly.

• The apostle Paul in prison. (Philippians 4:10-12)

Dear Father,

“O righteous Father, although the world has not known You, yet I have known You’ and these have know that You sent Me; and I have made Your name known, so that the love wherewith You loved Me may be in them, and I in them.”

• Jesus before His crucifixion. (John 17: 25-26)

When we thank God for our blessings in the upcoming Holiday Season, approach Him with the innocence of a child’s frame of mind, the gracious position of having family, the frame of mind that produces peace in any circumstance, and the outlook of the One who loves others at all costs. The tone of each prayer above reflects the joy in a heart that only comes by being close to the Father and recognizing whats truly important.

Dear God,

This season of thanks I have a renewed perspective of what is significant, what I am thankful for, and how I can share my blessings with others, just as You have shared with me.

– Your blessed and grateful servant, ____________.

Wes Autrey