Thanksgiving

The many, many different forms of Prayer are like fields on a large farm. You and I are like a farmer living in the center of the farm.

As we pray we move from Field to Field, from one type of Prayer to another. We go into some Fields every day, others only occasionally.

The Field of "Thanksgiving" is a Field very close to the Farmhouse which we should walk through every day, because, as Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 5:18; we should "give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."

Indeed, one of the very first features of Humanity’s rebellion against God was to fail to give thanks to God and Glorify Him (Romans 1:21).

Almost every Prayer recorded by Paul in his letters begins with Thanksgiving.

As disciples, it is excellent practice to cultivate the regular Holy Habit of beginning all our Times of Prayer and Worship with Thanksgiving.

Over the years I have made a list of all the key things I have seen God do during my life year by year: Clear answers to Prayer; people coming to faith; His great works like the growth of Alpha throughout the world; the growth of the Church in countries like China and Iran; the ministries of leading Christians whose lives have influenced many for Christ; and the powerful interventions of His Spirit in worship.

All these are allocated to different days of the month with around five things each day so that in this way each day starts with recalling what God has done in the past and thanking Him for specific things that He did and for the sort of God He is. When we start our Times of Prayer in this way we focus on His Power and Grace and our whole attitude and approach is directed to Him in deep gratitude, wonder, and humble love. This is an excellent way to begin to pray.