Topical Encyclopedia
Prayer, a fundamental aspect of Christian life, is often accompanied by thanksgiving, reflecting a heart of gratitude towards God. Thanksgiving in prayer acknowledges God's sovereignty, goodness, and provision, and it is a recurring theme throughout the Scriptures.
Biblical FoundationThe Bible consistently encourages believers to incorporate thanksgiving into their prayers. In
Philippians 4:6, the Apostle Paul instructs, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God" . This verse highlights the importance of coupling requests with gratitude, fostering a spirit of trust and reliance on God.
Colossians 4:2 further emphasizes this practice: "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful" . Here, thanksgiving is presented as an integral part of a vigilant and devoted prayer life, suggesting that gratitude enhances spiritual alertness and dedication.
Old Testament ExamplesThe Old Testament provides numerous examples of prayer accompanied by thanksgiving. In
1 Chronicles 16:34, during the Ark of the Covenant's return to Jerusalem, David offers a song of thanks: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His loving devotion endures forever" . This expression of gratitude is intertwined with worship and prayer, acknowledging God's enduring faithfulness.
The Psalms, a rich collection of prayers and songs, frequently combine prayer with thanksgiving.
Psalm 100:4 encourages believers to "Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and bless His name" . This verse illustrates the approach to God in prayer, marked by a thankful heart.
New Testament PracticeIn the New Testament, Jesus Himself exemplifies prayer with thanksgiving. Before feeding the 5,000, He gives thanks for the loaves and fish (
John 6:11). Similarly, at the Last Supper, He takes the cup and gives thanks (
Luke 22:17). These instances demonstrate that thanksgiving was a regular part of Jesus' prayer life, setting a pattern for His followers.
The Apostle Paul frequently models and teaches this practice. In
Ephesians 5:20, he writes, "always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" . This instruction underscores the comprehensive nature of thanksgiving in prayer, encompassing all circumstances.
Spiritual BenefitsPraying with thanksgiving offers numerous spiritual benefits. It shifts focus from personal needs to God's provision and character, fostering a deeper relationship with Him. Thanksgiving in prayer cultivates contentment and peace, as believers recognize God's past faithfulness and trust Him for the future.
Moreover, thanksgiving aligns the believer's heart with God's will, as seen in
1 Thessalonians 5:18: "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" . This verse highlights that a thankful heart is central to living in accordance with God's desires.
ConclusionPrayer accompanied by thanksgiving is a vital practice for believers, deeply rooted in Scripture and exemplified by Jesus and the apostles. It enriches the prayer experience, drawing believers closer to God and aligning their hearts with His purposes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Philippians 4:6Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Torrey's Topical TextbookColossians 4:2
Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
But Though Prayer is Properly Confined to Vows and Supplications.. ...
... of Paul, that all wishes are vicious and perverse which are not accompanied with
thanksgiving. His words are, "In everything by prayer and supplication with ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 28 but though prayer.htm
Of Prayer
... Their error described and refuted by various passages of Scripture, which show that
acceptable prayer is accompanied with these ... Kinds of prayer. ... Thanksgiving. ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/of prayer.htm
Prayer --A Privilege, Princely, Sacred
... restricted and more intense form of prayer, accompanied by a ... nothing, but in everything,
by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/i prayera privilege princely sacred.htm
1 Timothy ii. 4-Jan
... Moral. Let every prayer of ours, then, be accompanied with thanksgiving.
And if we are commanded to pray for our neighbors, not ...
/.../homily vi 1 timothy ii.htm
Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... his benefits with true gratitude and thanksgiving, while our ... find perfect faith or
repentance, accompanied with fervent ... said (sec.4), that though prayer is the ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm
Modern Examples of Prayer (Continued)
... to the knowledge of God, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving. ... a proper
theme of intense prayer, but that prayer must ever be accompanied with an ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/xii modern examples of prayer.htm
Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion
... dispositions of the body that, accompanied by outstretching ... In the beginning and
opening of prayer, glory is ... After thanksgiving it appears to me that one ought ...
/.../origen/origen on prayer/chapter xx formalities of prayer .htm
A Further Thanksgiving to God for the Change in the Late ...
... A further thanksgiving to God for the change in the ... nor female friend, nor any other
relative accompanied them ... originally used of any kind of prayer, but about ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xiii a further thanksgiving.htm
The Several Parts of Worship.
... in its various forms of petition, intercession, and thanksgiving. ... The first Christians
accompanied every important act of ... they joined fasting with prayer, as a ...
/.../history of the christian church volume i/section 53 the several parts.htm
Knox's Book of Common Order.
... being given that the child should there be accompanied by the father ... prayer followed,
the child was baptized, and the prayer of thanksgiving, also prescribed ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter iii knoxs book of.htm
Resources
Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
Bible Thesuarus
