Daily devotion – Monday 15th November 2021
Giving thanks in prayer
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
People often think that prayer only concerns our asking or seeking God for something that we need. Prayer can include confession our sins before God and praising God for who He is and what He has done for us.
But prayer should also have another important element, and that is our giving thanks!
The Bible repeatedly commands us to give thanks. The words “give thanks” are mentioned more than 39 times throughout its pages. The Psalmist said, “Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” – Psalm 107:1.
As Jesus gave out the bread to the massive crowd when He fed the 5,000, did so only after He had given thanks – Matthew 15:36. At the Last Supper with His disciples, before He faced the cruelty of the Cross, Jesus “gave thanks” – Luke 22:17, 19.
It is such a blessing to be able to thank God in our prayers when God blesses us with something good – healing us from our illness or obtaining a promotion in our workplace. But the Bible says we should ‘give thanks in ALL circumstance, for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus’ – 1 Thessalonians 5:18.
It says in all circumstances not for all circumstances.
Finally, thankfulness keeps at bay an ungrateful and proud spirit from developing in our lives. This week make giving thanks a major part of your prayers to our loving Heavenly Father, as you come to Him in Jesus name.