Gratitude

As we continue from last week with Scriptural prayers focused on the theme of gratitude, we look to the second of two prayers in which Jesus gave thanks. In Luke 10:21, we see Jesus rejoicing in prayer saying, “I thank You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and revealed them to babes.” Here, Jesus is thanking His Father for His ways—that He reveals Himself to the humble and childlike instead of those who are wise in their own eyes. Friend, have you, like Jesus, thanked God lately simply for who He is and for His good ways? As we approach Thanksgiving, let’s be sure to do just that. Truly, nobody is more deserving of our thanks than Him. Now that’s something to pray about!

Thank You

As we look toward Thanksgiving, I wanted to direct our attention to Scriptural prayers focused on gratitude. In fact, two of Jesus’ recorded prayers touch on this very theme. This week we look at His prayer from John 11 in which He paused to pray before raising Lazarus saying, “I thank You that You have heard Me. And I know that You always hear Me…” (John 11:41-42). Did you catch that? Jesus thanked His heavenly Father for always hearing His prayers. The wonderful news is that—for those of us who are in Christ—He always hears our prayers too. This doesn’t mean every answer is yes, but He most certainly always hears. Rejoice with gratefulness today knowing your every prayer is heard on high by your loving Father. Now that’s something to pray about!

Sons, Fathers And Prayers

While teaching on prayer, Jesus used an illustration of a boy asking his dad for food. He talked about how a father would never give a son asking for bread, fish and egg a stone, serpent or scorpion instead (Luke 11:11-13). You know, prayer is a vast subject that can leave us feeling mystified. The mystery of it all causes some to wonder if God sometimes answers prayer maliciously. The truth, however, is that we can be confident in the goodness of God. He is pure and perfect and will never answer our prayers with something evil, sinful or harmful to us. Just like a great earthly father only wants to give what’s best to his children, so too our heavenly Father gives us generously of His Holy Spirit when we ask. Now that’s something to pray about!

Promptings

Have you ever passed by someone while running errands or grocery shopping that reminded you of an old friend? Or perhaps you were driving and caught a glimpse of a license plate that made you think of a loved one? I like to think of seemingly random occurrences like these as divine promptings and invitations to pray. When a name or face suddenly pops into your mind, whisper a quick prayer like, “Lord, how can I be lifting up this particular person or situation?” God not only begins to work in answer to our requests, but also gives us wisdom for further action we may need to take. So, pay attention to those promptings. When God wants to move in a big way, He often starts with a little nudge. Now that’s something to pray about!

Prayer Vocation

When Joshua was a young man, before he succeeded Moses, the Old Testament Scriptures mention that “he did not depart from the tabernacle” (Exodus 33:11). In the New Testament, we read of an older woman named Anna who “did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37). Like Joshua, God calls some to a focused season of prayer to prepare for future leadership. Like Anna, others are called to prayer-related ministry as a part-time or full-time vocation. Be sure to encourage and invest in those who sense this calling either as a short season or long career. Your support may help the next great leader find their way, or strengthen a prayer warrior with the necessary resolve to stay the course of their calling. Now that’s something to pray about!