SATURDAY February 19, 2022
Prayers of Thanksgiving
We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ....
Colossians 1:3
Interestingly, Colossians 1:3-8, in the Greek context, is one long sentence. Paul started his letter by introducing himself as the writer, followed by his salutation, and then a lengthy, sincere, heartfelt prayer for the Colossian believers. Notice the word “we;” it was not just Paul who was thankful, but all the other Christians who had heard about the faith and love of the believers in Colosse.
Notice, Paul’s prayer began first with thanksgiving, not with any references to anyone’s personal needs. Think about all the things you are thankful for and begin your prayers with thanksgiving. It is good to begin prayer with thanksgiving––thanking God for your salvation and all He has done for you.
In Luke 11:1, one of His disciples, after listening to Jesus pray, asked Him to teach the disciples how to pray. Jesus directed His disciples to first begin prayer relationally––to the Father: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Luke 11:2).
It was only after acknowledging the Fatherhood and holiness of God and for His Kingdom to come, that the disciples were led by Jesus to ask for their daily needs to be met––bread. I love that. Prayer is intimate communion with God our Father in heaven––a relationship with Him.
Examine your prayer life. Do you begin with thanksgiving and praise? Do you find yourself first asking for your needs before exalting the name of God and reverencing Him for His holiness? Are you praying for His Kingdom to come and His will to be done? What changes will you make?
“There should be a parallel between our supplications and our thanksgivings. We ought not to leap in prayer, and limp in praise.”
~C. H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
