Prayers of Thanksgiving

Today’s readings are out of 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 and Philippians 4:6. Begin today’s devotion by reading these passages.

There have been countless studies in the psychology world on the effects of gratitude on our brains and our lives. These studies have found that gratitude reduces stress hormones, helps manage sleep disorders and insomnia, and it literally rewires your brain to be happier. So it turns out that it’s not God who is changed by our thankfulness—we are! Gratefulness in your life leads to greatness in your life. So there are lots of reasons that God prioritizes prayers of gratitude–and why we’re meant to make that a regular rhythm in our prayer life!

Let’s read again from God’s Word and reflect deeper on how thankfulness should pervade our Christian life.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT) 16 Always be joyful. 17 Never stop praying. 18 Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6 …in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Reflect

1. Why would thankfulness be part of “God’s will” for us? What is He hoping we’ll get out of it?
2. We all know we should be more grateful so what keeps us from being more thankful and having more of an “attitude of gratitude”?
3. What do prayers of gratitude remind us about God?
4. How could becoming a more thankful person end up affecting your relationships and the people around you? How will you be a more effective Christ-follower if the people around you see you as a thankful, grateful person?

Act

Keep a gratitude journal during the week to remind yourself of all that you have to be thankful for, and all the ways God has shown up in your life, and all the ways He has provided for you. Consider starting every single prayer time you have this week with gratitude first, before you get to the asking. Commit to making gratitude a regular rhythm in your life–instead of just a feeling.

Pray

Lord God, thank you for all you have provided for me, for all you have done for me, for all you have carried me through, and for who you are. Thank you for your unconditional love and boundless grace. My gratitude goes beyond what my words can express, so I just tell you with all my heart and soul–thank you for everything. Help me keep my thoughts focused on what I’m thankful for, instead of just things I want/need. May gratitude overflow in my life! Amen.