Hello SUM Nation! Author: Nickole Melerotto, North Carolina One of the things this team of ladies and I have discussed toward the end of 2025 in our weekly prayer meetings is a desire to track prayer requests and answers to prayer. We want to celebrate ...
Hello SUM Nation! Author: Nickole Melerotto, North Carolina
One of the things this team of ladies and I have discussed toward the end of 2025 in our weekly prayer meetings is a desire to track prayer requests and answers to prayer. We want to celebrate and relive the moments of answered prayer with all of you! We want to share in gratitude for how God is working in our lives and the “faith mile markers” we all experience.
We’ve discussed gratitude opening the gate to praise and deeper worship, praising God for His faithfulness in His promises, and moving from “what if” to “even if” through gratitude. Let’s move on to the why and how of gratitude and the renewal we experience simply by taking time to give thanks individually as well as sharing, observing, and dwelling on each other’s stories of thanksgiving.
Let’s start with why…Romans 12:2 (ESV) says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Renewal is part of God’s sanctification (setting apart for special use) process in our lives. We cannot claim to follow Christ and not remain unchanged by His Holy Spirit. He is doing a work in our lives and it’s through His power we are transformed and renewed. James 1:2-4 (ESV) says “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”
We are called to gratitude, especially amid trials, not because God delights in our suffering, but to the contrary. He is quite busy molding, making, purifying, sharpening and honing us into the right tool for the right moment, if we yield to Him. If He made each of us for a unique purpose, there’s no doubt He delights in our growth, in our sharpening and preparation and readiness to partner with Him. The renewal process happens in the good times and in the bad times, but what is important is acknowledging God’s hand in the process even if we can’t see it clearly. We must participate in gratitude because it is how we move through trials and difficulties.
Now to the how…if we’re honest, there is no shortage of moments in each of our lives that would easily lead us down a path of ungratefulness. I’m routinely in seasons of being expected to be both adults in my home due to my husband’s line of work, but if I take the time, even for five minutes, there’s an overabundance of moments to be grateful, moments where God has shown up for me, sent helpers, or even just provided the mental and emotional rest required to jump-start me for the hour, day, or phase of life. NONE of this would be possible without the power of the Holy Spirit and His influence over my life. It doesn’t matter that I could be classified as an “eternal optimist”, I struggle just as much as the next person if I ignore the Holy Spirit. This is where Philippians 4:8-9 ESV comes into play. The Bible tells us “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
This is the formula! We are not spiritually bypassing. Rather, in all circumstances, look for the things in this checklist and be amazed at what God brings to mind. This is where cultivating gratitude individually and collectively benefits us most. When we take time to share and dwell on His faithfulness, our entire perspective changes and has the power to influence the atmosphere around us, especially in our homes.
What struggle has actually turned to something worthy of praise in your life? See you in the comments. Nickole
Rev 12:11a “And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony,” NASB
Author: Nickole Melerotto; Nickole is a military spouse residing in North Carolina, a mother of four and grandmother of two. Between the family activities and homemaking, sewing, gardening, and random home projects, she’s pressed to find a dull moment, but loves finding those still, small moments to connect with her Lord.
We are anointed…chosen….and called to greater than ourselves and to die to ourselves in the process. I prayed over this post before writing to you. I wondered can someone soft spoken and scatter brained encourage you? We’re all in different seasons, battles, or life stages. How can I write words to bless you? Am I even worthy to contribute to Lynn’s legacy or any of these other women? I regularly face battles with anxiety and insecurity, but how does this align with gratitude?
Gratitude can be hindered by anxiety and comparison. How often do we concern ourselves with how others look or appear on the outside? It is so easy to compare when we see others thriving in their faith journeys and through Instagram highlight reels. We must remember, Jesus never concerned himself the frivolous, but rather the mission. Jesus lived simply and loved simply and relied on God for everything. Because God exists within both the Ordinary and the Miraculous, man was created out of the dust of the ground. David was a boy who slayed a giant. After all, our Savior came as human baby and was placed in a stone basin, places not associated with Glory or Kings. God uses the unlikely to become His partners and intercessors, and without His direction, we cannot achieve either.
Jesus taught us to approach our heavenly Father with gratitude, not fear. Despite the temporary stress and fear over the sacrifice of His life but, He trusted God the Father with the greater outcome of reuniting God and humanity. However, because we’re humans, anxiety often leaves us with more questions than answers.
But we have a solution! Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”(NIV), tells us to approach the throne with gratitude… I know it’s not a feeling that comes to us easily. But let me share how it was explained to me. When seeking God with thanksgiving, our “what if’s” become “even if’s.”
In Daniel 3:16-18, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego give us the example. “16 Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, ‘King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. 18 But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up’.”(NIV)
It is clear that Safe Places and Weapons Against the Enemy are created with gratitude. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego let go of the idea of control in life’s outcomes. They were okay with the consequences of all choices, present, past, and future. David also spoke about walking through the valley of the shadow of death, (Psalm 23). He remained steadfast in his focus on God. David writes all over in the Psalms about God as a refuge in times of trouble. We can do the same in our homes, as we approach the throne with thanksgiving. Fast well and know God has our outcomes already in His hand.
Jacquilin Lasnick: Honestly, gratitude is something much larger than us…and it’s hard to write a single blog post when entire books have been written on the subject. I cannot tie this up in a neat package for all of you, but, maybe just maybe, syncing with Jesus and being thankful in the process can change the entire atmosphere of our homes…
Believers love the promises of God! There are thousands of them in the Bible. A Bible promise is a divine guarantee, rooted in God’s unchanging and faithful character. God’s promises are a binding declaration for a future hope. They are powerful and reliable.
In thinking and meditating on praise and promises, thru this fast, I thought of the emotional Psalm 61, by King David. Eight short verses packed with cries, confidence and promises.
If possible, please open your Bible to Psalm 61…..
PS 61:2-3 {ESV} always hit me hard with love and encouragement. ….from the end of the earth, I call to you when my heart is faint. Lead me to the Rock that is higher than I, for YOU have been my refuge, a strong tower against the enemy. We are privileged to be able to cry out to the Highest Rock Can you sense spiritual loneliness in King David’s heart?
Spiritual loneliness has been a huge hurdle for me, over these almost three decades in marriage. Can anyone identify?
Some intentional actions that help me overcome loneliness include, connecting with other godly women, and praying with our community prayer team, weekly. I have a few different text threads with some Christian work friends, that I can reach out to as well. God created a dependable and compassionate network for me, to be able to lean on, when looking for direction and encouragement.
I have visited different churches in my community for years. I was a member for 20 yrs, at one church. I never felt like I fit in. I found a few online churches that I love to watch, yet I felt ABBA calling me to be present, with other believers. Specifically, to hear the truth, receive the Lord’s Supper, while worshiping and praising HIM together ~ with like minded Jesus Followers.
I was introduced to Budd Lake Chapel (NJ) a few years ago. I started to attend BLC’s ladies bible study, in hope of connecting with the women. The study is led by Bev (80 yrs old) who has been a Believer since she was eight years old. I was attracted to the way Bev led the study. I noticed the amount of work she put into the weekly handouts and class discussions. Bev truly knows her Bible and has memorized many verses. We sing famous classic hymns and pray before and after each study. There is a bible study prayer thread, for the women in the study and we are limited to study member only, prayer requests (which I really appreciate!). Feeling a connection with these women, I started to attend BLC a few times a month. One of my biggest hurdles when visiting a church is, where and who will I sit with! Can anyone relate?
Bev texts me early, most Sunday mornings and assures me, she will save the seat next to her, if I plan to attend. One Sunday, I arrived and didn’t see her. So, I sat in the pew in front of where she usually sits. Bev quietly slipped into her pew and tapped me on the shoulder. She motioned me to sit next to her, with her huge smiling blue eyes. Abba uses Bev to show me HIS personal love for me and to point me to Jesus. Bev’s loving actions, remind me, ABBA is always saving the seat next to HIM, just for us.
Let’s believe together for huge breakthroughs during this fast. May GOD continue to knit our hearts together, to love our husbands well and to be the good and faithful servants, He created us to be.
Grieve the losses. Feel the Pain. Then wash your face, trust GOD and embrace the life that He’s given you . ~ Dr. John Piper
Author: Cathleen Rafalko; I’ve been a Jesus Follower for a long time. I have followed the SUM pages for 14+ years. Mark and I are parents to twin boys (20 yrs old) and Kailee is 22. I’ve been traveling as a Flight Attendant for decades, with United Airlines, based in NYC airports. I have been a member of FCAP (Fellowship of Christian Airline Personnel) for many years. Faith at work is very important to me. I carry tracts around the planet and leave/give as I feel led by the Holy Spirit.
I especially love women’s Bible studies, hiking around the planet and cooking creative meals for my family. With Love and Friendship, Cathleen (Cat) Rafalko in NJ USA
~ For I, says the Lord, will be a wall of fire all around her, and I will be the glory in her midst ~ Zec 2:5
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,” says the well-known Psalm 100:4, “and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name.”
The gates and the courts mentioned here, most likely refer to the temple building. Seeing that there is no longer a physical temple structure, but we as believers have become the temple of the Holy Spirit – how is this concept of entering in relevant to us today? Even though the Holy Spirit dwells in our midst (1 Corinthians 3:16), we still need to make a conscious decision and effort to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh – otherwise there would have been no need for the solemn exhortation in Galatians 5.
Lately the Lord has been showing me that gratitude and thanksgiving prepare us to consciously enter any situation under the guidance, direction, and protection of His Spirit. A while ago I heard one of my favourite teachers mention that there was a progression from thanksgiving to praise to worship: “We thank Him for His goodness; we praise Him for His greatness; and we worship Him for His holiness.”
So, we pave the way for experiencing His presence in worship, by thanking Him for His goodness. It can be a challenge to start, especially when we are overwhelmed by circumstances, emotions, and thoughts of negativity and hopelessness. All that is needed, though, is one thing. Thanking God for one thing that testifies of His goodness, is enough to create an atmosphere of gratitude and thanksgiving. I know an underprivileged lady who lives by the motto that if we are breathing, we have something to be thankful for. “Everything else,” this lady says, “is a bonus.”
The simple decision to thank God for the breath in our lungs can be powerful enough to propel us into a position of praise. And praise is where the power kicks in. Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, must have understood this. When enemy forces joined together against the people of Judah, Jehoshaphat sent singers ahead of his army. “And when they began to sing and praise, the LORD set an ambush against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, so that they were routed” (2 Chronicles 20:22).
Praise paves the way for worship – the sweetest state we can possibly enter on this side of Eternity. In the words of Psalm 95:6, “Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD, our Maker!”
And it all starts with gratitude and thanksgiving. Let us enter every gate – including the gate of this corporate fast – with thanksgiving. May we keep expressing our gratitude until we are propelled into a position of praise, and eventually fall to our knees in pure worship. This is where our fast becomes truly meaningful.
Author: Ena du Plessis lives in Johannesburg, South Africa with her husband, three children, and two cats. She loves the Lord, people, and animals. She enjoys running, reading, writing, camping, and spending time with family and friends.
Hello SUM Nation! Author: Nickole Melerotto, North Carolina
As we embark on the 2026 Annual Corporate Fasting and Prayer Week, I want to take a moment to thank all of you who are joining us this year. When I first began fasting, I felt the discipline was a bit elusive. I didn’t totally understand what, how or the meaning it would have in my life until I followed the prompting of the Holy Spirit to begin the weekly fasting and prayer with LuAnn Wendover clear back in 2019! We are so very glad you are here with us!
Whether you are new to fasting or a seasoned veteran, here are a few points to encourage you as you prepare.
DO choose a specific topic to fast and pray about. Corporately, we are fasting and praying to cultivate a spirit of gratitude in our lives and our homes. You may consider adding to this topic or homing in on a specific detail about gratitude you would like to see God amplify in your life. For example, noticing the smaller things day-to-day that might easily be overlooked and making a time of thankful prayer in the evening. Colossians 3:17ESV encourages us “…whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” Another focus might be seeking specific revelation regarding a trial that you are facing in which the resulting fruit is not yet fully visible but cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving through trial rather than focusing on the difficulty the trial poses. James 1:2-4NIV reminds us to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
DO treat prayer and fasting as an opportunity to grow closer with our God. He is the author and sustainer of our lives and our faith (Colossians 1:16). He is not a genie but has a perfect plan, purpose and a precise timing in which to complete all things for our good. Romans 8:28NIV “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” We use this time to crucify our fleshly desires (Galatians 5:24) and bring our thoughts captive to Him (2 Corinthians 10:5), not to attempt to twist God’s arm or influence His work or His timing.
DO share with your spouse and family what changes in your routines are expected. If you usually eat dinner before sundown and your fast is sunrise to sundown, share the expectation of a later meal for dinner. If you have a standing lunch date with your spouse and your fast is the lunchtime meal, request a change in date if possible. If you are fasting from social media, consider sharing with those family and friends with whom you communicate regularly, an alternative method of communication for the week or an expectation of decreased social media presence. You will know which expectations to adjust within your own family.
DO set aside specific “appointment times” for quiet time, praise, Bible reading, gratitude and reflection on God’s Word and His work in your life. Begin your day with a specifically dedicated praise and worship time, inviting the Holy Spirit to equip and sustain you. During your typical lunchtime, spend time in Scripture asking the Holy Spirit to be your teacher and reveal to you His purpose in the reading, take a short prayer walk if weather permits. In the evening, allow yourself time to sit quietly with the Lord in gratitude for His presence and provision for the day.
We are all looking forward to a heightened awareness of the Lord’s presence as God is renewing us with a fresh spirit of gratitude to elevate and sustain us through 2026.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. – Ps. 100:4-5ESV
Author: Nickole Melerotto; Nickole is a military spouse residing in North Carolina, a mother of four and grandmother of two. Between the family activities and homemaking, sewing, gardening, and random home projects, she’s pressed to find a dull moment, but loves finding those still, small moments to connect with her Lord.
Can you sense spiritual loneliness in King David’s heart?
Abba uses Bev to show me HIS personal love for me and to point me to Jesus. Bev’s loving actions, remind me, ABBA is always saving the seat next to HIM, just for us. 
