Saying Thanks

The last few posts have been a bit preachy, I know. Sometimes, the job of a preacher is to do just that - preach. I'm going to lighten the load a bit, and talk about how saying prayers of thanksgiving are important. First, a prayer of thanksgiving doesn't have to be in response to something God has done for you. You can, and should, thank God for all He has given to you and all He will give to you. The Bible teaches us a lot about thanking the Lord, and why it is important. I'll point you to three passages I like from Psalms:

• "I will praise God's name in song and glorify him with thanksgiving." - Psalm 69:30
• "Praise the LORD. Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever." - Psalm 106:1
• "Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men, for he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things." - Psalm 107:8-9

And another two from Phillippians and Thessalonians :

• "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." - Phillippians 4:6-7
• "Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. " - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There's a great post up at http://barbarah.wordpress.com/2007/11/17/thanksgiving-bible-study/ if you're interested in even more Bible quotes.

Prayer is about asking God for help, but that's not all it's about. It's about saying thanks for the things in your life that are good and bring happiness to you and your loved ones. It's good manners to say thanks in our daily lives - If I borrow a chain saw to cut down a stump in my yeard, I thank the neighbor who lent it to me. If a coworker offers me a hand on a project, I thank them. Why would it be any different with God? The only real difference I see, is that you should thank God for everything.

Yes, ask the Lord for what you need, what is truly important, for Prayer is well-known even to skeptics, as an effective tool for reaching your goals. Whether you prayers are for the healing of a sick loved one or for time to reconnect with your family, for the material goods you need or the welfare of the world, God is listening. If you walk with Him, do what is right, stand up with integrity and faith in Him, He will help you. Just remember to say thanks to him.

Remember also, God is there for you. He loves you, He wants to see you happy, he wants you to be joyful, and to enjoy the fruits He has designed for you in His plan. Walk in His path, and you will find that not only is the best yet to come, but there are many things to be thankful for right here, right now.

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." - Romans 15:13