How do you start your daily prayer? Is it by giving thanks or with a list of things you expect God to do for you?
I admit I have made this mistake too. Most of the time I pray for so many things and when I finally get the blessings from God, I hardly spend time thanking him for all that he has given me.
The story of the 10 Lepers illustrates that it is important to give thanks to God. (Luke 17:11-19)
Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem when he passed through a village where he met ten men with leprosy. They stood at a distance (Lepers were called unclean so they had to be at a distance) and called out to him “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” When Jesus saw them, he told them to go show themselves to the priests.
Lepers during Bible times were called unclean. Anyone suspected of having this disease had to go to a priest for examination. (Leviticus 13:2-3) They were isolated and lived alone. They were considered unclean both spiritually and physically. (Leviticus 13:45-46)
As these lepers went to see the priests, they were cleansed. One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back praising Lord in a loud voice. He fell on Jesus’ feet and thanked him- he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19)
- Reminds us the origin of our Blessings
When we thank God for our blessings, it constantly reminds us that we received it from God. It helps us understand that credit needs to be given to God for all the blessings that he has showered on our life. From the above passage, it is clear that Jesus was upset that the other lepers who were healed did not come back to meet him and say that they were healed. Giving thanks is as important as praying for our needs.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)
- Teaches us to be content with what we have
Gratitude helps us understand that we have more than what we deserve. It also helps us in understanding that God will supply all our needs at the right time.
Count your blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord has done
-“Count your blessings” by Johnson Oatman
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
- Gives strength for the present and hope for the future
When we pray and trust in God, we receive peace, strength and the calm assurance that God is in control of our present situation.
Don’t be anxious about anything; rather, bring up all of your requests to God in your prayers and petitions, along with giving thanks. Then the peace of God that exceeds all understanding will keep your hearts and minds safe in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
Next time you pray, thank God for all that he has done and notice the difference!