11.17.2017 | by Dave Johnson, Senior Pastor
Did you know that grateful prayer brings peace? It’s the truth! Philippians 4:6-7 makes the point crystal clear: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace.”
This is one of the most difficult verses in the entire Bible to obey. It’s not easy to stop worrying about the “stuff” and “junk” of life, but God says, when you start to worry, pray and peace will follow!
It makes perfect sense if you’re a parent! Hey mom and dad, do you ever tire of children making requests without saying, “thank you” for what they’ve already received? God sees it the same way. He wants us to ask Him for what we need and want. More than 20 times in the New Testament, we are told to “ask” Him. Be He wants us to ask with gratefulness.
God also desires for us to be specific about our praises. For example, when I say to Ann, “I’m so grateful for you.” She appreciates it much, but she also desires to know the specifics…what exactly am I so grateful for about her. God wants to hear the same things. So when you pray, tell God what you’re thankful for. Prayer is one of the most important ways we tell God “thank you.”
Even more…and this is hard, but very rewarding…we should thank God in advance! The Bible makes clear that when we have the faith to thank God ahead of time, miracles happen. The more thankful we are the more God works in our lives!
As Thanksgiving approaches and we circle around tables to feast with family and friends, be intentional about bringing thankfulness into that space. Begin being thankful today! Be as specific as possible for what are you thankful to God. What are some of the ways you believe God will bless you in the future? Thank God for those things, even before they happen.
On The Victory Side…Dave