Rejoice, Pray, Thank




Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Meditation

I am always rejoicing for what the Lord has done for me, but I am not so good at praying without ceasing. I pray over my meals and when things are brought to my attention. However, I seldom think to have a simple conversation with God. I usually give thanks only on special occasions or when I’m reminded how I’ve been blessed. Rejoicing comes easy when I pray and give thanks for everything the Father has given me. I have been blessed in so many ways I cannot list them here. The greatest of those blessings was the joy God put in my heart.
It wasn’t always this way. I remember after I was saved I prayed all the time. I would pray for other motorists as I drove down the road. I prayed for other shoppers when I was in the store. I would walk around my neighborhood and pray for my neighbors. My heart was so full of joy and thankfulness, I was bursting at the seams. To my fault, I have become too content with my circumstances. Some might think I’m taking my blessings for granted. I’m not really. My problem is, I’m always absorbed in the moment and forget what’s really important.
Rejoice always; that doesn’t mean I have to be happy when I experience tragedy. There are lots of times when life gets really hard. Times when I have been really mad; even mad at God for something that’s happened. When I’ve experienced a loss, like the death of a loved one, it’s terribly difficult to express an attitude of joy. I don’t rejoice at my loved one’s death, I’m rejoicing because the Father in heaven loves me. He understands my pain because his Son died on the cross, and he will help get me through.
If you’re like me and your heart is full of joy but your prayer life could use some work, keep trying. Our prayer is nothing more or less than a conversation. Some will only pray in church or over their meal. God is with us every moment, so praying to him all the time should come naturally. It doesn’t have to be a long flowery prayer, filled with a lot of churchy words, just talk to him like a friend. If we love him and what he’s done for us, we should tell him so, every chance we get. We have no trouble talking to our friends and family, so we shouldn’t have a problem talking to God. He wants to have a relationship with each of us. He can’t do that if we won’t talk to him.


Daily Prayer


Heavenly Father, the evidence is in. The proof is positive. We have no reason why we should fear. Our peace of mind comes from knowing, even expecting that trouble will come and that you will be with us throughout. We can always rejoice in the knowledge that you are with us through times of terrible trouble. Help us to remember that if we go to our knees as soon as problems arise, you will help us to see the solution much sooner than we will see it on our own. In fact, if we are constant in prayer, our troubles will always seem less important. Never let us get through a single day without telling you how grateful we are for your provision, even when our needs are the greatest. We love you, Lord, and always want to be in your will for our lives. Thank you for always showing us the way with the help of the Holy Spirit and your written words of scripture. Give us eyes like Jesus to see ways to seek and save the lost. Give us his heart to love the unsaved like he does. Let us be his hands and feet to do the work of the Kingdom. In his precious name, we pray. Amen!

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