PRAYER SWEETS Encouragement word ... November 2026

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 Written By: Elder Terrilyn Shorter

serves at the Open-Door Full Gospel Baptist Church

in Hampton, VA

Scripture: Psalm 100:4–5 (KJV)

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.”

A SEASON TO REMEMBER HIS GOODNESS

As we enter this season of Thanksgiving, our hearts are invited to pause—not simply to count our blessings, but to remember the goodness of the God who has kept us. As women, we wear many hats and carry many responsibilities. We pour into our families, serve others, work, pray, and keep moving even when life presents challenges. Yet through it all, God's faithfulness has remained.

This is a season to give thanks for the harvest we can see, trust God with what is still growing, and praise Him with expectation for what lies ahead. We may be navigating different seasons in our lives, but we share one great reason to rejoice: our God is good, His promises are sure, and He is worthy of our thanksgiving!

Consider Hannah in 1 Samuel 1. She was a woman who knew what it meant to wait, pray, and trust God with a deep desire in her heart. She poured out her soul before the Lord, and after praying, she left with a changed countenance—even before she received her answer (1 Samuel 1:18). Later, in 1 Samuel 2:1, Hannah lifted her voice in praise: “My heart rejoiceth in the LORD.”

What a reminder for us! Hannah's story did not end with her tears; it continued with her testimony and her praise.

A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT TO MY SISTERS

My sisters, don't let the cares of this world steal the gratitude that belongs to God. Don't let disappointment make you forget His faithfulness. Don't let unanswered prayers cause you to overlook the prayers He has already answered. And don't become so busy caring for everybody else that you forget to bring your own heart before the Lord.

We are not thankful because every situation is perfect; we give thanks because God remains good in every season! Sometimes the harvest is visible in the blessings we receive. Other times, it is seen in the strength we have gained, the wisdom we have acquired, the faith that has grown, and the peace God has given us along the way.

Galatians 6:9 encourages us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not give up. So keep praying, keep believing, keep serving, and keep trusting God!

Remember, my sisters: You can have tears in your eyes and thanksgiving in your heart. You can have questions in your mind and faith in your spirit. You can be waiting on God and still worship Him while you wait!

This November, let's thank Him for what He has done, praise Him for who He is, and face tomorrow with faith and expectation.

CLOSING PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and unfailing love. Thank You for every blessing, every victory, and every lesson that has helped us grow. Strengthen every weary woman, renew our joy, and remind us that our lives remain in Your hands. Help us not to grow weary, but to continue walking in faith, trusting Your Word, and recognizing Your goodness in every season. May our hearts overflow with thanksgiving, our mouths be filled with praise, and our lives reflect Your glory. We thank You for the harvest already before us and trust You for what is yet to come. In the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

Sisters, let us enter this season with grateful hearts, renewed faith, and expectation! The God who has kept us is still worthy of our praise. Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord! (Psalm 150:6)