Introductory Thoughts
Our heartfelt giving of thanks should always coincide with our prayers to God. Today's passage from Philippians confirms this truth, as do a host of other passages (Daniel 6:10; Ephesians 1:16; Colossians 1:3; Colossians 4:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Timothy 2:1). However, an unthankful spirit always affects one's prayer life eventually developing into a vicious repetitive cycle. A lack of prayer instills a lack of thankfulness. Those who fail to be thankful, fail to cultivate a consistent prayer life. Fortunately, this lack of thankfulness exposes our true problem which is a heart lacking humility. As our heart fills with pride, we fail to realize the goodness of God and our need to continually seek His face with this spirit of thankfulness. The solution involves conditioning ourselves to have a prayer life consisting of a genuine time of thanksgiving. True thankfulness should eliminate many of the prayers consisting of nothing but self-serving desires.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): The Bible tells us to keep on praying (1 Thessalonians 5:17) and to be thankful (Colossians 3:15). How would mom and dad feel if you didn't talk to them or thank them for what they do for you? How do you think God feels when we do not talk to Him and say, Thank you, Father?
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(For everyone): How is your prayer life? How faithful are you in giving thanks to God? Do you give thanks to God during your time of prayer, or do you just make your requests known to Him?
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Is giving thanks important to you? Is your prayer time selfish in that it only acts as a means by which you seek to get things from God? Why not begin your time of prayer thanking the Lord for His goodness to you?
Prayer Thoughts
- Take time to thank the Lord for His faithfulness to you.
- Ask the Lord to help you be more thankful during times of prayer.
Song
I Love to Steal Awhile Away
