Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Philippians 4:6 (NASB)
Thanksgiving – How many times have we gone before God, kneeled down, and began asking for things? This happens to me all the time. Immediately I petition those around me to join me in asking the Lord to forgive my sins. Before this, I might thank Him for His mercy, but it’s a quick jump into my petition.
I’m just so anxious to get to what I want. It’s all about me getting to the point of why I’m here on my knees. There’s some sort of problem, and I need God to control the situation for me. Isn’t that what it always seems to be about? Aren’t we basically there because something has escaped our control?
But then I read this verse. I gotta stop being anxious, take a breather, and start thanking the Lord for… whatever. Imagine that. Imagine if the next time you were on your knees before God, whether at church, or in your home, and you just started thanking Him for everything. I’m not just talking about a quick sentence or two, but sit there and thank the Lord for at least 10 minutes straight. That seems ridiculous doesn’t it? How could I come up with stuff for the span of 10 minutes? How could I waste 10 minutes of the Lord’s time when all I’m concerned about is this other thing?
Do it. You’ll be amazed at what happens. And I think that’s Paul’s point in his letter to the Philippians. Once we get through all the things we’re thankful for, our prayer changes. It no longer is about us. It begins to be about those less fortunate. When we realize all that we have, our troubles become petty, and we begin to start asking for those around us.
Lord, thank you for my virtuous wife. Now please open the eyes of the youth to understand what makes a Godly spouse and not be ensnared by lust.
Lord, thank you for my growing family. Please open the wombs of those who endeavor for children of their own. It is a blessing unmatched by any other.
Lord, thank you for my health. While I can walk, there are many who cannot. They need your comfort, and your healing touch.
Lord, thank you for my community. Let your face shine upon them and may you keep them and protect them.
Lord, thank you for my home. Now please shelter those who have none. Bless them with warmth and kindness.
Lord, thank you for my job. I can feed my family and provide for them, but there are many who struggle daily and suffer poverty. Reach down and lift them up.
Lord, thank you for the opportunity to study and learn from you. Many have lost their way and even more are out there who have never known you. Call them to you and give them mercy.
Lord, thank you.
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