Praying with Gratitude for God's Faithfulness
Wednesday night Prayer • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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Today, I want to encourage you to reflect on the power and significance of expressing gratitude to God for all that He has done in your life.
Our passage for today, Psalm 100:4-5, beautifully captures the essence of approaching God with a heart filled with thanksgiving and praise.
Psalm 100:4–5 (ESV)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
Q: According to these verses, how should we approach God in prayer? Enter with Thanksgiving and Praise!
Q: What does it mean to "enter his gates with thanksgiving?
Our approach to God should be marked by an attitude of gratitude. It means coming before Him with a heart full of appreciation and recognition for all that He has done, is doing, and will do. Thanksgiving acknowledges His goodness, faithfulness, and the countless blessings we have received from Him.
Q: What does it mean to "enter his Courts with Praise?
The term "courts" refers to the inner sanctuary or the holy place, representing a deeper level of intimacy with God. When We approach God in this intimate place we should do so with a heart that exalts and glorifies Him.It signifies a posture of reverence and honor, recognizing His greatness and majesty.
"With praise" means expressing our adoration and worship to God through verbal affirmation. Praise involves declaring His attributes, character, and mighty works. It involves verbalizing our love, gratitude, and awe for who God is and what He has done. Praise can take the form of singing, speaking, or even shouting in celebration of God's greatness.
Q: So if we are to express gratitude and praise in our prayers doe that have any affect our own perspective and relationship with God or is just a form of worship? Simply put does praying in a right way affect our own hearts?
When we pray with gratitude and praise, our focus shifts from our own problems, worries, and desires to the goodness and faithfulness of God. It helps us gain a broader perspective and reminds us of God's sovereignty and power. As a result, our worries and anxieties can diminish, and we gain a sense of peace and trust in God's provision.
Gratitude and praise cultivate a heart of joy and contentment. When we intentionally acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in our lives, we develop an attitude of gratitude that transcends our circumstances. As a result, we experience a deeper sense of joy, even in the midst of challenges, because we recognize God's goodness and provision.
Look at our verse again Psalm 100:4-5
Psalm 100:4–5 (ESV)
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! 5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
verse 4 tells us how to pray- verse 5 tells us why to pray this way
Q: What is the reason the psalmist gives us for why we can come to the throne of God in prayer with Thanksgiving and Praise?
Because the Lord is GOOD, his love is forever, and He is faithful.
Q: what does it mean that the Lord is Good?
Q: what does it mean that His steadfast love endures forever?
Q: what does it mean that He is faithful to ALL GENERATIONS?
Q: So Why is it important to acknowledge God's character and faithfulness when we pray?
Think about the times when God has answered your prayers, perhaps in unexpected ways or with blessings you didn't anticipate. Remember the moments when His peace was upon you in the midst of a storm, bringing comfort during that difficult time
How often do you look at your day and Acknowledge all the ways in which He guided your steps, opened doors, and provided for your needs?
I think that if we would stop and think for just a moment we would see God’s goodness, love and faithfulness pouring out of our own lives.
Prayer becomes an act of worship when we recognize and appreciate the goodness of our heavenly Father.
So, as you approach God in prayer, take a few moments to offer heartfelt gratitude for what He has done.
Thank Him for His faithfulness and provision.
Express your appreciation for His guidance and love. Let your prayers be marked by a spirit of thanksgiving and praise, for it is in these moments that we deepen our relationship with Him and grow in our own faith.
Remember, God delights in our prayers and longs for us to approach Him with a grateful heart.
My desire is that your prayer time would be enriched as you cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving and praise, acknowledging God's goodness and faithfulness in your life.