Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. Colossians 4:2
“While acts of gratitude render prayer immeasurably efficacious, all prayer is valueless without the element of thanksgiving. “Ingratitude” says St. Bernard, “is a parching wind which dries up the sources of piety, the dew of mercy, and the streams of grace.”
Bonaventure of Bagnoregio (1217-1274) in De Perfectione Vitæ ad Sorores which in English is Holiness in Life, translated by Laurence Costello.
This Lent I sense God wanting to do internal work in me to help me become a more grateful and thankful person. I have room for growth. I tend to focus on what has not come together which can open the door for ingratitude.
I love how Bonaventure echoes both Paul and Bernard. We need to be watchful and thankful, which will inspire gratitude which gives life to our prayers and our communion with God out. It also shapes our generosity, which flows from the dew of mercy and streams of grace.
Take some time on this Friday to give thanks. See what happens in you. Notice how it shapes your attitude, your inner self, your posture toward others. Ask God to help you be watchful and thankful so that your prayers are immeasurably efficacious.