Introduction
On this seventh day of our series on “What Must I Do to Please God”?, we focus on a central part of the Christian life: prayer with thanksgiving and praise. Prayer is not just about asking God for things. It is about communion with Him, bringing our requests, concerns, and needs, but also, importantly, offering thanksgiving and praise. Scripture teaches that a life of continual prayer, rooted in gratitude and worship, pleases God. In 1 Thessalonians 5:17 and 1 Timothy 2:8, we are called to pray continually, lifting up holy hands in gratitude and praise.
Prayer with thanksgiving reflects a heart that is aware of God's goodness. When we pray with a heart of gratitude and praise, we are acknowledging that God is in control, that He is worthy of our trust, and that He deserves all the glory. This act of thanksgiving not only brings us closer to God but aligns our hearts with His will.
Now Let’s Eat Some Meat!
1 Thessalonians 5:17 (AMP): "Be unceasing and persistent in prayer."
Context of 1 Thessalonians 5:17
Paul’s exhortation to the Thessalonians to "Be unceasing and persistent in prayer" is a call for believers to live in constant communion with God. Prayer is not meant to be confined to specific moments of the day or particular occasions. Instead, it is to be a continual practice—a lifestyle. This does not mean we must always be on our knees in prayer, but rather, we should remain in a constant posture of openness and communication with God throughout the day. By maintaining this attitude of continual prayer, we stay connected to God’s presence and will, allowing Him to guide and direct our lives.
Paul’s teaching here shows us that a life that pleases God is marked by persistent prayer, not just in times of need but in every moment, offering thanksgiving, praise, and supplication.
1 Timothy 2:8 (AMP): "Therefore I want the men in every place to pray, lifting up holy hands, without anger and disputing or quarreling or doubt [in their mind]."
Context of 1 Timothy 2:8
Paul, in his letter to Timothy, stresses the importance of praying with pure hearts and holy hands. He emphasizes the need to approach God without anger or quarreling, and with a heart of faith and gratitude. The lifting of holy hands is a symbolic gesture of surrender and worship, acknowledging God’s authority and our dependence on Him. In this scripture, Paul calls on believers to come before God with hearts that are free from bitterness, pride, or division, and instead to offer prayers filled with thanksgiving, praise, and a spirit of unity.
The emphasis on lifting up holy hands also points to a life lived in obedience and purity, which is essential in pleasing God. When we come before Him in prayer, our hearts must be aligned with His will, and our praise must be genuine.
Pray with Thanksgiving and Praise
Key Phrase: "Be unceasing and persistent in prayer."
Pleasing God requires a life of consistent prayer, not just when we need something but as a continual act of worship. Thanksgiving and praise are crucial components of this prayer life. When we thank God, we acknowledge His goodness, His provision, and His sovereignty. Praise takes our focus off ourselves and places it on God, where it belongs.
Prayer with thanksgiving allows us to recognize God’s hand in every aspect of our lives, whether in moments of joy or trial. By praying with a heart of gratitude, we demonstrate trust in God’s plan and His faithfulness. This kind of prayer pleases God because it is rooted in humility and a recognition of His greatness.
Philippians 4:6 (AMP): "Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God."
This scripture from Philippians highlights the importance of presenting our requests to God with thanksgiving. It is not just about asking for help, but also about remembering to thank God for His faithfulness and goodness in every situation. This posture of prayer reflects a heart that pleases God.
Relevance to Today’s Believers: For believers today, prayer with thanksgiving and praise is essential to living a life that pleases God. In a world filled with challenges and distractions, it can be easy to forget to thank God in our prayers. However, prayer is not just about bringing our requests before God. It is about recognizing His presence and expressing gratitude for all He has done and continues to do in our lives.
In moments of difficulty, offering thanksgiving and praise shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power. It allows us to see beyond our current circumstances and trust in God’s provision. When we praise God in the midst of uncertainty, we demonstrate faith, which pleases Him.
The Whole of What It Means to Please God
While today’s focus is on praying with thanksgiving and praise, it is essential to understand that this practice is part of the larger picture of what it means to please God. In previous days, we discussed choosing to serve God, walking in Christ, and being filled with the Spirit. Remember as I’ve said repeatedly, these principles work together to form a life that pleases God.
Prayer with thanksgiving is intertwined with living by the Spirit, remaining in Christ, and loving God with all our heart. It is through prayer that we express our dependence on God and invite His guidance into every area of our lives. A life of consistent prayer, filled with gratitude and praise, is central to a life that pleases God.
Colossians 4:2 (AMP): "Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving."
This scripture encourages believers to be persistent in prayer, with an attitude of thanksgiving. Prayer with thanksgiving keeps us focused on God’s goodness and strengthens our relationship with Him.
Summary
On this seventh day of our series, we explored the importance of praying with thanksgiving and praise as a vital aspect of pleasing God. 1 Thessalonians 5:17 calls us to be unceasing in our prayer, and 1 Timothy 2:8 urges us to pray with pure hearts, lifting up holy hands in gratitude and worship. Prayer is more than asking for things; it is an ongoing expression of our dependence on God, rooted in thanksgiving and praise.
Pleasing God requires a life of consistent prayer, filled with gratitude for His faithfulness and trust in His provision. When we pray with thanksgiving, we demonstrate faith, humility, and surrender, all of which are essential to living a life that honors God.
As we continue in this series, let today’s focus on prayer with thanksgiving and praise remind you to keep a heart of gratitude in every circumstance. Offer your prayers with faith and praise, trusting that God is always present and faithful.
If You Have Ears To Hear, Then Hear It!