While working around my house with the television on in the background  I heard three people going on about “wanting things from God.”  These individuals were getting into details about “just what they expect from God” almost in a demanding and demeaning way!  I was transfixed, watching in amazement not comprehending their audacity in terms of our Father.  I spoke out loud, “What have You done for our Father that He should reward you?  And, when was the last time you thanked Him for all of your blessings and rewards?”

There are so many types of prayers when we speak with our Father. There are prayers for the sick, for healing, or intercessory prayer just to name a few. However, there is  the “prayer of Thanksgiving.”   When we get on our knees and give pure unadulterated thanks to our Father. I don’t mean by words, but truly with all of our hearts and soul, and mind and body give HIM THANKS.  Thanks for creating us, for sustaining us, for giving us His love.   O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever. 1 Chronicles 16:34 KJV

Speaking straight from our hearts with open loving arms telling Him, “I love You…thank You Father.” That is what He longs to hear, just as a parent wishes to hear it from his own birth child. What parent doesn’t delight in a word of “thanks?”  Or, an  “I love you” instead of “give me this, and give me that.” So, if as parents we delight in hearing those loving words purely from their hearts…imagine how our Father and creator feels when we offer our “love and thanks.” It goes beyond our scope of feelings on a grander scale of which we can only imagine.

I will praise the LORD according to his righteousness: and will sing praise to the name of the LORD most high. Psalm 7:17 KJV

Singing His praises strictly for glorifying Him and worshiping Him without “selfish motives” is a realm in which all of should seek to aspire and practice. To merely say, “I love You Lord” and go about your business without expecting anything in return is an area some of us are negligent in. It is a paradox in itself  giving Him thanks and praise…for when we’re selfless in our expression towards the Lord, and we honor Him, and seek His face, while we shower thanks and praise on His lovely and precious name, we’ll reap rewards that’ll be too numerous to speak about. It follows naturally in accordance to our actions and our obedience to the Lord.  As we give Him thanks and praise our cup will overflow.  Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name Psalm 100:4 KJV

 During our everyday transactions of life no matter what we’re doing we should always give thanks to the Lord.  Our accomplishements are only due to the Lord, our skills and gifts are because of the Lord.  So when we do a good job it is admirable and in accordance to being a good Christian, but all the glory and honor belong to God. It is because of Him that we are who we are. We should never lose sight of that. He rewards us and gives us the ability in which to maintain our lifestyle and gifts.   And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.   Colossians 3:17

No matter what you do, or where you go, don’t forget to give Him thanks and all of your love. Honor Him, obey Him and love Him.  Today take the time to stop, reflect on your blessings and give Him your heart with a resounding shout of “THANK YOU FATHER….I LOVE YOU.”   And, when our life is done on earth, and  we’re called home, you can be sure He will welcome us with His arms opened-wide and say, “well done my faithful and loving child well done…”

And in that day shall ye say , Praise the LORD, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.   Isaiah 12:4 KJV

 In every thing give thanks : for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Picture courtesy of Scott Birge~