Pray with Thanksgiving

 

Philippians 4:6

 

• We are to ask specifically—let our requests be made known
• We are always to have a thankful heart Psalms 63:4, 145:2
• We are to be always filled with adoring gratitude, love, reverence, thanksgiving
• Even the most desperate prayer should be offered with thanksgiving and praise
• The lesson from the model prayer Mt 6:9-13
• In our darkness moment of need to praise Ps 18:3
• When things aren’t going right lets thank and praise Acts 16:25

 

 

I.                     Why we are to pray with thanksgiving

a.      Because we come to Him as His children Romans 8:32

b.      He has answered us before Psalm 68:19

c.      Because the infinite creator God made prayer, taught us to pray, and commands us to pray Luke 18:1

d.      He gives us bold access Ephesians 3:12, Hebrews 4:16

e.      We can pray from the pigpen or the palace

f.        I can thank Him because I know that no accidents are taking place in my life Romans 8:28, II Corinthians 12:9

g.      Thanksgiving will give me confidence o ask again—I can’t whine and complain I have wonderful memories of His answers to my prayers

 

II.                   The sin of ingratitude

a.      We have nothing else that we can give him Hebrews 13:15

b.      Even lost people understand that giving deserves thanks

c.      If we do not give thanks then it is proof of our selfishness

d.      Being thankful even in need proves that I love him and not the gifts

e.      If I am not thankful do I think that I decide what is best and desire that God submit to my will

f.        Isn’t the lack of gratitude like the spoiled child

 

III.                  What happens when we pray with thanksgiving

a.      He gives peace

                                                              i.      Must believe and thank

                                                            ii.      Thank him as though he had already answered

                                                          iii.      Thank him even for the problems

                                                           iv.      It causes us to remember previous answers and encourages us

b.      Our praise indicates that we have a humble submissive obedient spirit and not a prideful self seeking self will selfishness

c.      We allow God to glorify himself in us

d.      Praise puts God to work II Chronicles 20:20-22 appoint some singers

 

Psa 63:4 Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.

 

Psa 145:2 Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.

 

Mat 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

 

Psa 18:3 I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies.

 

Act 16:24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks. 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.

 

Rom 8:32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

 

Psa 68:19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah.

 

Eph 3:12 In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.

 

Heb 4:16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

2Co 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

 

Heb 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

 

2Ch 20:20 And they rose early in the morning, and went forth into the wilderness of Tekoa: and as they went forth, Jehoshaphat stood and said, Hear me, O Judah, and ye inhabitants of Jerusalem; Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper.

2Ch 20:21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever.

2Ch 20:22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushments against the children of Ammon, Moab, and mount Seir, which were come against Judah; and they were smitten.