Prayer of Gratitude for Answered Prayers

Saint Francis of Assisi, whose heart overflowed with thanksgiving for every gift, however small, stand beside me now as I come with a prayer that has been answered. I asked, and you interceded, and God in his goodness has granted what I placed before him with so much hope and so many tears. Let me not move on too quickly from this moment, but pause here to recognize his hand and give him the praise he is due. Keep my gratitude from fading once the joy of the answer has settled into ordinary life, and remind me to thank him as faithfully as I once asked him. Help me become, through this answered prayer, someone more trusting for the next request I bring before him. May all I have received turn my heart toward greater love and service of God and neighbor. Amen.