Praying! (part 3 of 7)

Today let us consider a third element of daily prayer as expressed in Paul's letter to the church at Colossae.

Paul urged. . .
"(2) Continue steadfastly IN PRAYER, being watchful in it WITH THANKSGIVING. (3) At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison -- (4) that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak." ( Colossians 4:2-4 ESV)

Praying with THANKSGIVING. THANKSGIVING is not one special day a year, but rather a special focus for every day. Each day we have is a gift from God for which we should be THANKFUL. However, how often are our prayers strong on requests and weak on THANKS? As we lay our prayerful requests before our Heavenly Father, let us not forget the things for which we are THANKFUL and for which He is to receive THANKS!

Notice Paul coupled the watchfulness (which we noted yesterday) with the THANKSGIVING. Maintaining a sense of THANKFULNESS helps encourage our focus and desire to press on in life, even as serious petitions are being laid before God. (note also Philippians 4:6) Regardless of the challenges, are we able to remember how much there is for which we can still be THANKFUL? Paul had already mentioned some things for which he was THANKFUL earlier in this letter as he urged the Christians at Colossae to continue in giving THANKS. ( Colossians 1:3 & 12; 2:7; 3:15, 16, & 17) When we remember Paul was writing this letter from prison, we should recognize how he definitely practiced what he preached as he kept in mind that for which he could still be greatly THANKFUL.

In Paul's letter to the church at Thessalonica, he stated. . .
"(18) GIVE THANKS IN ALL CIRCUMSTANCES; for THIS IS THE WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus for you." ( 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV)

Though some circumstances may be extremely challenging, perhaps they are the very means of providing some specific and very sweet blessing that might not otherwise be experienced. May we remember prayer's THANKFUL facet. Maintaining the ability to still count our blessings when other things may not be going so well can be a great power for sustaining our life's onward motion. THANK God for answered prayers. THANK GOD for His ever attentive ear. THANK GOD that His purpose will ultimately stand. ( Proverbs 19:21) Yes, for that we should be eternally grateful in the surrender of our life to Him.

Have a great day KEEPING GOD'S BLESSINGS IN VIEW!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Thankfulness