Intro

This week we continue our series on Why We Pray with a discussion on the benefits of  giving thanks to God in prayer.

Scripture and Commentary

Psalm 103:2-5

2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

Romans 1:20-22

20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.  21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools

Colossians 2:6-7

6 So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

Psalm 105:1-4

1 Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done.  2 Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts.  3 Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.  4 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Even secular society recognizes the benefit of a thankful attitude.  Psychology Today recently reported a study that shows thankfulness reduces negative emotions- including envy- and enhances our ability to form connections with others.  Thankfulness appears to have a myriad of health benefits as well, from reducing the perception of aches and pains to improved sleep.  Business researchers have found that engaging in exercises that encourage thankfulness leads to improved solutions and better business outcomes.  If thankfulness can achieve this much in a secular context, how much more will we benefit if we practice thankfulness in our relationship with God!

As the verses above illustrate giving thanks to God is consistent with being rooted in our faith in Him.  Conversely, neglecting thankfulness makes us susceptible to the mindset of this world, with “futile thinking” and “darkened hearts”.  When we reflect on the blessings of God, even the blessings of having our faith strengthened thru trials, we renew our faith in Him.  This prepares us for service, and gives us the strength we need to overcome trials and adversity.  More importantly, it brings joy and positions us to testify of the goodness of God in our interactions with others. Giving thanks to God, then, is the second reason why we should engage in prayer regularly.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts, please share.

Be blessed.

K