From the Pulpit: A thankful life

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God.” Phil. 4:6

 

We are now in the third week of our quick study on four aspects of A Thankful Life. First, it is God’s will, his desire for us, that we are people who give thanks. (1Thes. 5:18). Second, when the tenth leper returned to say “Thank you,” he triggered a further blessing, a complete healing of body, soul and spirit.

Today, we add the simple thought, “Being Thankful” is a key component to prayer. A quick overview of Phil. 4:18 indicates there are three steps to presenting our requests to God.

Step 1 … RELAX. “Do not be anxious about anything.” God is in control, he is our source, our provider and deliverer.

Step 2 … PRAYER and PETITION. We ask, we seek, we knock and the door is opened. We serve a God who answers by fire, who is able to do more than we ask or even imagine. With prayer we step boldly into the throne room of the King.

Step 3 … and we always ask with THANKSGIVING. This is such a key part to the Christian life. It is so easy to fall into the trap of continually asking for more, while never stopping to be grateful for what has been given.

Remember the old hymn? “County your many blessings, name them one by one. Count your many blessings, see what God has done …” What a great reminder for us to stop, look behind, and truly celebrate the miracles and blessings of God.

And as we pray with THANKSGIVING, we open the door for the next life changing encounter with our Heavenly Father.

God Bless and be Thankful!