“A Lifestyle of Prayer”

This week’s prayer focus: Giving Thanks!

“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 (NIV)

As we approach the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday, our prayer focus this week will be on giving thanks.  As with the vast majority, if not all, of these prayer guides this is not something that we should pray about for a week and then dismiss.  God’s desire is that we give thanks in all circumstances at all times.  Giving thanks shows our appreciation not only for what God has done, but for what He is doing and what He will do.  This week we will focus each day on something different the Bible says God’s people should give thanks for.  As you pray, examine your typical level of thankfulness and ask God to help you grow in gratitude.  Pray that you would grow in a godly reputation of being a thankful person.  Pray that you would be diligent about looking for things to be thankful for in all circumstances.  Pray that the life you live would be reason for others to be thankful.  Pray each day for the individuals of your congregation and for the body of Christ as a whole.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.”
Ephesians 6:18 (NIV) 

Please pray each day for God’s help in being a thankful person.

Sunday: Pray for your church staff, the preaching and teaching that takes place, the church leadership, the volunteers that are helping in so many areas, the spiritual and financial health of the congregation, and the work of the missions ministry of the church.  Pray for me (Tom Lemler) and the work of Impact Prayer Ministry.

Monday: Give Thanks for God’s Righteousness.  Pray that you would be thankful because of the righteous work of God in Jesus.  Pray that God’s righteousness would fill you with a gratitude that leads to praise.  “I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.”  Psalm 7:17 (NIV)

Tuesday: Give Thanks for God’s Presence.  Pray that you would live with an awareness of God’s presence at all times.  Pray that the work of God in your life would make you thankful for His presence.  “We give thanks to you, O God, we give thanks, for your Name is near; men tell of your wonderful deeds.”  Psalm 75:1 (NIV)

Wednesday: Give Thanks for God’s Goodness.  Pray that you would both receive and acknowledge God’s goodness in your life.  Pray that thankfulness would always be your response to God’s goodness and love.  “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.”  Psalm 118:1 (NIV)

Thursday: Give Thanks for a Kingdom Inheritance.  Pray that you would be filled with gratitude as you consider how God has qualified you for an eternal inheritance.  Pray that you would be thankful for all those who will share in this inheritance.  “Giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.”  Colossians 1:12 (NIV)

Friday: Give Thanks for the Work God Gives You.  Pray that you would recognize God’s hand in providing with the opportunities for all you do.  Pray that you would be thankful for every word and deed that God allows you to do through Jesus.  “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”  Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

Saturday:  Give Thanks for Everyone.  Pray that you would find ways to follow God’s instruction to be thankful for everyone.  Pray that your level of thankfulness would contribute greatly to a peaceful and quiet life.  “I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone — for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”  1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NIV)