God,
“Have I told you lately that I love you? Well, darling, I’m telling you now.” My mom used to sing me that song as a small child. I find myself filling my prayers to you with thanksgiving and confessions and requests for others and myself. But I often forget to praise you, to tell you how much I love you, God. I forget to laud both your amazing power and the pure goodness of your character. You are good. All the time. All the time. You are good.
No, I know that you don’t need me to tell you that. You don’t need to have your ego propped up by my accolades. But you command me to praise for my sake, as it opens up the door of my heart that I might enjoy you and opens my eyes to see your goodness and presence in the world all around me.
God, I am surrounded by things of excellence and people worthy of praise. Give me the words to share that praise with them. Nudge me past my reluctance to speak such words. Push me past my tendency to temper my praise. And let me pour out adoration for you and my praises for the people you sent me to love.
I love you, God. You are incredible, and what a gift it is to be loved by you. Amen.