Gratitude

The steps

Go at your own pace. Read each scripture in context if you can, and come back to any step as often as you need.

1. 1

   Step 1: Pause and notice

   Slow down for a moment. Look around and notice something good: light, food, a person, a breath.

   Scripture

   • “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

   Reflect

   What good thing did I almost miss today?

   Try this

   Set a reminder for one pause each day this week to notice something good.

   Write your response

   Set a reminder for one pause each day this week to notice something good.

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2. 2

   Step 2: Name specific blessings

   Write down a few specific blessings each day. Specific is better than general: "my daughter's laugh at dinner" instead of "family."

   Scripture

   • “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits”

   Reflect

   What blessing do I tend to take for granted?

   Try this

   Write three specific blessings before bed each night this week.

   Write your response

   Write three specific blessings before bed each night this week.

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3. 3

   Step 3: Thank God in prayer

   Bring your list into prayer and thank Heavenly Father for each one by name.

   Scripture

   • “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

   • Doctrine and Covenants 59:7

   Reflect

   How does thanking God for specific things change how I feel about my day?

   Try this

   Say one prayer this week that is only thanks.

   Write your response

   Say one prayer this week that is only thanks.

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4. 4

   Step 4: Thank the people around you

   Tell people what you appreciate about them. Only one of the ten healed lepers came back to say thank you. Be the one who returns.

   Scripture

   • “Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?”

   Reflect

   Who has blessed my life that I've never really thanked?

   Try this

   Send a thank-you note or message to one person this week.

   Write your response

   Send a thank-you note or message to one person this week.

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5. 5

   Step 5: Look for gratitude in hard times

   When life is hard, look for even small mercies: a kind word, a moment of peace, strength you didn't know you had. You don't have to be thankful for the pain itself.

   Scripture

   • “Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”

   Reflect

   In a hard time I've been through, where did I see God's help, even later?

   Try this

   Write down one small mercy you noticed during a difficult day.

   Write your response

   Write down one small mercy you noticed during a difficult day.

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6. 6

   Step 6: Let gratitude turn outward

   Gratitude grows when we share. Let thankfulness lead to kindness and generosity toward others.

   Scripture

   • “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”

   • “and be ye thankful.”

   Reflect

   How could my gratitude bless someone else today?

   Try this

   Share one blessing with your family or a friend, and ask about theirs.

   Write your response

   Share one blessing with your family or a friend, and ask about theirs.

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