DEPLOY THANKSGIVING

07/30/2024

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

Being thankful is the secret to answered prayer. Imagine a fellow who went to the store and spent $1,200 on merchandise only to forget it in the store. That is what happens when you pray without thanksgiving. I've encountered folks who love to pray but always fall short when it comes to receiving answers. Their prayer life is like a functioning but empty vending machine. They think, "I will give thanks when God performs a miracle." This mindset is outward-looking rather than inward-looking. They are sense-ruled rather than spirit-ruled.

David said, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” In other words, thanksgiving is the result of revelation. Paul puts it best in 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” Notice how it emphasizes that thanksgiving is the will of God.

If your thanksgiving is only connected to the physical manifestation of God’s faithfulness and grace in your life, you will never see or experience the true beauty of God’s glory. Sometimes, all you have after you have prayed is the Word. Truth be told, that is all you need to give thanks.

Our opening scripture says, "Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1-2). As great as supplications, prayers, and intercessions are, without thanksgiving, they amount to nothing. Being thankful is the secret to receiving answers from God.

Someone may ask, at what point during the praying process should I give thanks? When you have made your request known to God. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."

If you have prayed about certain individuals or cities and you have a knowing inside you that God has heard and granted your request, then give thanks again and again. Don’t allow anything in the physical to sway you one way or the other, knowing that God is not a man that should lie. As He said, a quiet and peaceable life will be the order of the day.

God bless you!

Faith-Filled Confession:

Father, thank you for victory and your goodness in my life. You have made my life a wonder. I give thanks for who you are in me and to my world. In Jesus' name, Amen!

Prayer Direction:

1. Thank God for His provision, protection, mercies, and goodness in your life and your family this month.

2. Pray for those entertaining suicidal thoughts, declaring that God’s love prevails in their lives.

3. Pray and declare that your family is positioned for undeniable testimonies and promotions.

One-Year Bible Reading Plan: Psalm 59-61; Acts 28:16-31