Week Three: Prayer
All of us have our own views and opinions regarding prayer. What role does prayer play in your life?
Take this quick survey and reflect on what it means to be truly prayerful. There are no wrong answers and no scoring - this is purely for self-assessment. Be as honest with yourself as possible.
Rate the following from 1 to 5, with 1 being "Strongly Disagree" to 5 being "Strongly Agree":
1. I believe God listens and speaks to me. 1-2-3-4-5
2. Prayer is an important part of my life. 1-2-3-4-5
3. When I pray, I mostly ask God for something. 1-2-3-4-5
4. I pray, but I really don't expect an answer or response. 1-2-3-4-5
5. I believe there is something God wants me to do. 1-2-3-4-5
6. I believe God wants me to live a certain way. 1-2-3-4-5
Place a check mark beside the different ways you have prayed in the last thirty days.
__ gratitude and thanks
__ for family and friends
__ help in the midst of crisis
__ my or someone else's health
__ for forgiveness
__ for guidance and direction
__ in simple silence with no expectation
What did this exercise tell you about your own practice of prayer?
Week Two: Gratitude
Each of us has his or her own view of what it means to be grateful. What does gratitude mean to you?
Take this quick survey and reflect on what it means to be truly grateful. Rate the following from 1 to 5, with 1 being "Strongly Disagree" and 5 being "Strongly Agree": There are no wrong answers and no scoring - this is purely for self-assessment. Be as honest with yourself as possible.
1. Compared to my friends and family, I believe I am very grateful. 1-2-3-4-5
2. When I receive a bonus or raise, I believe this is mine and mine only. I worked hard for it, and I will do with it as I please. 1-2-3-4-5
3. When I receive a gift, I always send a "thank you," either by sending a note or email, or via a phone call. 1-2-3-4-5
4. I can remember the last time I actually sent a handwritten thank-you note. 1-2-3-4-5
5. I seldom, if ever, thank people who are simply "doing their job." 1-2-3-4-5
6. When someone genuinely thanks me, it makes me feel great and encouraged to do more. 1-2-3-4-5
Place a check mark beside a person you have thanked in the last thirty days.
____ the person who bags my groceries
____ the cashier
____ a former teacher
____ a spouse for cleaning or cooking
____ a custodian at work
____ someone I really don't like
____ someone I paid to do a job: a plumber, electrician, lawn care person, etc.
____ a flight attendant or ticket agent
____ God
What did this exercise tell you about your personal level of gratitude?
Beginning today, start a daily gratitude journal, listing 3-5 things for which you are truly grateful. You can jot notes in your daily planner, write a separate journal directed to gratitude, or make notes on your phone.
Week 1: Generosity
Each of us have our own view of what makes a person "generous." What does generosity mean to you?
Rate the following from 1 to 5, with 1 being "Strongly Disagree" and 5 being "Strongly Agree": There are no wrong answers and no scoring - this is purely for self-assessment. Be as honest with yourself as possible.
1. Compared to my friends and family, I believe I am very generous. 1-2-3-4-5
2. When I receive a bonus or raise, I consider how I could help someone else with the additional money. 1-2-3-4-5
3. I give a lot of volunteer time to my church so I don't feel the need to give as much money. 1-2-3-4-5
4. What I contribute to church and charity represents a sacrifice (I have to give up other things I need or want). 1-2-3-4-5
5. I give away more money in a year than I spend in other areas such as Starbucks' coffee, personal hobbies, or dining out. 1-2-3-4-5
6. I could give away more money and my lifestyle would remain the same. 1-2-3-4-5
7. I believe giving away 10 percent of income is important to my faith. 1-2-3-4-5
8. I often wonder what everyone else is giving. I want to give an equal share. 1-2-3-4-5
9. I am intentional in planning my charitable giving. 1-2-3-4-5
10. When I am at the church, I often contribute change and small bills - whatever I have in my pockets or purse. 1-2-3-4-5