The Heart of Prayer

The Heart of Prayer

“Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that made us whole, and with his stripes, we are healed.” Isa. 53:4-5

Thanksgiving: The Voice of Faith

The Bible says…

“…in everything…with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6)

“In everything give thanks, for this is the Will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

To help you…

God brought Israel out of Egypt in order to bring them into the Promised Land. They had experienced miracles coming out of Egypt, but most of them never made it into the Promised Land. How sad. Their failure was due to a lack of trust and wrong attitudes. 

Instead of thanking God and praising God for their deliverance from Egypt, they grumbled continually about their circumstances, at the slightest adversity. Though physically free, their hearts were still bound by wrong attitudes. Egypt was still in their hearts.

For Christians, Egypt represents our old life of sin and selfishness. Jesus has delivered us from the power and the penalty of our sin. Now we need to break the habits and attitudes of sin.

Complaining and criticism are major sin attitudes. We must break these habits by using the godly exercise of thanksgiving.

Remember, God always loves you. The blood of Christ always cleanses you. God’s promises of blessing and life are always true for those who have faith in Christ.

Sometimes, your circumstances may sadden and confuse you, but the greatness and goodness of God remain. So, exercise thanksgiving in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Thanksgiving brings victory. It is the voice of faith that overcomes the pressures of this world (1 John 5:4). The Psalmist realized this and said, “Therefore will I give thanks and sing praises!” (Psalm 18:49).

For your reading…

Philippians 4:4-7
1 Thessalonians 5:16-23
Ephesians 1:18-21

Commit to memory…

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18