October 2
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly. Thessalonians 1:2
How often do we do this? How often do we tell someone that we will keep them in our prayers? Sometimes it appears to be a knee jerk reaction when we become aware of difficulties in some area of their lives, and that is good! But, how often to we offer prayers of thanksgiving? Just because. For no other reason than someone’s mere presence in our lives? Or perhaps a moments thought of them crossed our mind?
This Scripture verse is a tangible instruction for us. It affirms our instinctive desire to be of help to others, and shows us how. It gives us instruction on what to do with all the concerns floating around in our hearts and heads for them, and the importance of giving thanks to God in all things, in all situations, for all we have and are. We do not have to look far to see need; need that we may feel frustration at our inability to assist with. We do not have to look far to see all the goodness around us that God has showered us with. Some of us may say we could be in constant prayer with all the need and all the gratitude! How very true! And that is what Paul is saying here. We do need to be in constant prayer.
But how can that be accomplished in our busy lives? It is simple, really. When we offer all that we have in our hearts up to God and do our best to focus on gratitude, there is no doubt, we are in a constant state of prayer and goodness will follow us. That is not to say we are free of challenges and the accompanying discomfort, but rather, that awareness of the good in all things will be heightened. All goodness comes from God! Oh how much we have to be grateful for! But most importantly, keep in mind, the God who made us; the God who knows our every heart, hears and answers every prayer. (“At that moment the prayers of both of them were heard in the glorious presence of God.” Tobit 3:16) Pray constantly.
We offer to you every moment of our lives, Lord, in gratitude to you for everyone and everything in it! Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly. Thessalonians 1:2
How often do we do this? How often do we tell someone that we will keep them in our prayers? Sometimes it appears to be a knee jerk reaction when we become aware of difficulties in some area of their lives, and that is good! But, how often to we offer prayers of thanksgiving? Just because. For no other reason than someone’s mere presence in our lives? Or perhaps a moments thought of them crossed our mind?
This Scripture verse is a tangible instruction for us. It affirms our instinctive desire to be of help to others, and shows us how. It gives us instruction on what to do with all the concerns floating around in our hearts and heads for them, and the importance of giving thanks to God in all things, in all situations, for all we have and are. We do not have to look far to see need; need that we may feel frustration at our inability to assist with. We do not have to look far to see all the goodness around us that God has showered us with. Some of us may say we could be in constant prayer with all the need and all the gratitude! How very true! And that is what Paul is saying here. We do need to be in constant prayer.
But how can that be accomplished in our busy lives? It is simple, really. When we offer all that we have in our hearts up to God and do our best to focus on gratitude, there is no doubt, we are in a constant state of prayer and goodness will follow us. That is not to say we are free of challenges and the accompanying discomfort, but rather, that awareness of the good in all things will be heightened. All goodness comes from God! Oh how much we have to be grateful for! But most importantly, keep in mind, the God who made us; the God who knows our every heart, hears and answers every prayer. (“At that moment the prayers of both of them were heard in the glorious presence of God.” Tobit 3:16) Pray constantly.
We offer to you every moment of our lives, Lord, in gratitude to you for everyone and everything in it! Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson