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Written by: Ellen Banks Elwell
There are many ways to thank God in prayer. Here are four forms we can use and model for our children.
- Give thanks for provisions. Psalm 104:13-14 says, “You send rain on the mountains from your heavenly home, and you fill the earth with the fruit of your labor. You cause grass to grow for the cattle. You cause plants to grow for people to use.” We can thank God for food, breath, strength, light, encouragement, protections, and many other provisions each day.
- Give thanks in all situations. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 urges us, “No matter what happens, always be thankful, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” One of my friends reminded me that the verse doesn’t mean to give thanks for all things but in all things. We may not be grateful for the problem, but we thank God for what he’s accomplishing in us through the problem.
- Give thanks for what God is doing in people’s lives. In 1 Thessalonians 1:2-3 Paul states, “We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly. As we talk to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and your continual anticipation of the return of our Lord Jesus Christ.” These are very specific areas of growth for which we can offer thanks – faithfulness, love, and hope.
- Give thanks in anticipations of what God will yet do. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” Giving thanks to God for things yet to come indicates your trust in him.
Offer thanks for provisions, in all circumstances, for God’s work in our lives, and in anticipation of what he will do!
Father,
Thanks for hope to keep going. Thanks that you are in control even when we feel off-balance. Thanks that you will be with us each day. Amen.
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