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Prayers Of Thanksgiving

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Categories: Bible Study Lessons Tags: ,

Prayer and thankfulness are often joined in Scripture (Daniel 6:10; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 1:3; Colossians 4:2; 1 Timothy 2:1). Prayer is an expression of our thankfulness to a gracious and giving God. Genuine prayers of thanksgiving to God will express itself in three categories of blessings:

We Are Thankful For What God “Has” Done For Us

Our Heavenly Father has given us physical life (Genesis 2:7; Acts 17:29; Hebrews 12:9). Additionally, He has provided the things necessary to sustain our lives, i.e. rain from heaven (Matthew 5:45); food, water, and clothing (Matthew 6:25-26); air to breathe (Acts 17:25; cf. Genesis 2:7); a glorious place in which to reside (Acts 17:26).

More importantly, He has given us spiritual life (John 10:10; 2 Peter 1:3). This life was given to us through the precious sacrifice of His Son (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9). Our natural reaction to such a wonderful gift as this should be that of Paul, who said: “Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). The Christian is thankful for the “past” blessings from God.

We Are Thankful For What He “Is” Doing For Us

We are thankful for His providence (Romans 8:28; 1 Peter 3:12). The Christian has the assurance that he is under the watchful eye and care of his Creator. We are thankful for His promises (Matthew 28:20; 2 Timothy 4:16-17; Titus 1:2; Hebrews 13:5-6; 2 Peter 3:9). Thankfully, the Christian serves a “promise-keeping” God. The Christian is thankful for the “present” blessings from God.

We Are Thankful For What He “Will” Do For Us

Our Lord is coming back for us (John 14:1-3; Acts 1:9-11) and He has promised to give us eternal life (Matthew 25:21,46). The Christian is thankful for the “future” blessings that will come from God.

Conclusion

Prayer is a vital part of the Christian’s life. May we never diminish its great importance. And may God help us to be people who are not only thankful, but who are willing to express that thankfulness to the God of “every good gift and every perfect gift” (James 1:17).

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