A lesson I cherish from my late mum is her spirit of gratitude. As a child, I’d watch her spend time thanking God in her prayers and our family devotions. I’ll never forget her words: “Lord, You said our thanksgiving should exceed our requests.” I learned that gratitude is prayer.
Friend, gratitude is prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:18). It is not just what we do or say to start and end our prayer. It is not also what we do to while away time. Gratitude is the real deal in prayer. It is the real business in prayer. If you don’t know how to unlock the power of gratitude, your prayer life would not be effective (Philippians 4:6-7).
Show me a man of gratitude, and I’d show you a man of altitudes (Psalm 48:1-2). Show me a man who recognises God in everything, and I’d show you a man who would see God in everything. Rather than waiting for God to do something before you thank Him, you can provoke His manifestations with thanksgiving (Romans 4:20-22).
I personally think that God loves thanks givers, especially (Psalm 22:3, 100:4). This is because Thanksgiving or praises is the only thing that He cannot do for Himself. It is also the only time we bless Him. At other times, He’s the one blessing us, granting our requests, etc. Let your gratitude endear you to God (Acts 13:22).
Gratitude is about perspective (Habakkuk 3:17-19). While some people see the cup half-empty, grateful people see it as half-filled. You might have lost something. It is by the mercies of God that you have not lost everything. Most of the Psalms of David were written in the midst of trials and challenges (Psalm 61:2).
In the New Testament, gratitude is our expected response to the finished work of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14). In Christ, the works have been finished. Gratitude would help you see it manifested in your life. When you understand that God is not going to do it, but that He has done it, you would respond with thanksgiving. What are you grateful for today (Psalm 103:1-5)?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria