One of the things we do every week at Table 8 Bible study is spend some time discussing prayer requests. It’s wonderful to be able to share concerns with our sisters in Christ. However, as we began a study on prayer, I realized we weren’t looking at the praises that we were blessed with!
It’s easy to see the struggles in our lives and what we need to pray for. We see our friends or family hurting, a neighbor that’s sick, a test that our children are about take, maybe someone we know isn’t saved. We seek out prayer for those things. And we’re not wrong to do that at all!
But there is also value in seeing the ways our Father blesses our lives. It’s encouraging to hear praise reports of that neighbor on the mend, that child who got a 92%, or the peace that the Holy Spirit gave you about a decision you needed to make. The people that have been praying get an opportunity to see God at work. And you get a moment to acknowledge the grace of God!
We are encouraged many times in the Bible to give Him thanks for what He has done. It should be part of our worship to Him.
Lord, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; for You have worked wonders, plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness. –Isaiah 24:1 (NASB)
I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds. –Psalm 9:1 (ESV)
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. –1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)
Sometimes, it’s not so easy to recognize the praises in our lives. Victories may seem small or insignificant. Perhaps we even don’t think about how God answered a prayer or a need that we had in our life because we weren’t looking for it.
I’ve made it a challenge to myself to really look for how God has answered prayer in my days and weeks. Now, rather than starting off my prayer with a request to Him, I get excited to start by thanking Him for what He’s done and how He’s provided.
This month, God answered a prayer that I’ve been praying about faithfully for 5 years! I want to shout from the rooftops how amazing God is!
How about you, dear friends!? Share with your friends at the Iron Porch a praise report and let’s be encouraged at God’s faithfulness.
~Erin
Iron Porch 