Seven Prayers of Thanks We Can Pray Every Day!

Hello, friends. Thank you all for your prayers! How are you all doing? Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only ten days away? Of all the holidays, it is probably my favorite. The food is fantastic! I love all the tremendous sidedishes: cornbread dressing, mashed potatoes, giblet gravy, and the classic green bean casserole. I’ve even become a fan of brussel sprouts, too. Also, there is no pressure to shop for gifts; everyone is usually genuinely happy to see each other and enjoy the time of fellowship and feasting.

Last month, I shared with you how to best handle the unexpected seasons in life. A surprising health issue prevented me from climbing into my bed for weeks. Praise God! I replaced my bed, which was pretty high from the floor, and reduced the height by a few inches to make it easier to get in and out.

Speaking of the unexpected, I have been reading a fantastic book by Christine Caine every morning for the past few weeks. Honestly, this book is beyond encouraging and inspiring. I just had to share excerpts on my Facebook page. You can get a hardback copy here for less than ten bucks! I highly recommend it. It’s an easy-to-read and enjoyable book.

Prayers of Thanks

Last week, I was inspired to create something for my website. Recently, I read a devotional by Chuck Swindoll, which inspired me to develop something about honoring God this month with our prayers. I want to give my readers some prayers of thanks they can pray every day. Consequently, I hope this post will inspire you to draw nearer to God and thank Him for all He continues to do in your life.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; Make known His deeds among the peoples! 1 Chronicles 16:8.

Prayers for Freedom.

It is easy to take for granted the many freedoms in the Western world. As of this writing, I still have the freedom to write about my love for God and His Son, Jesus Christ. But times are slowly changing. The Christian is now looked on with disdain by many. We are thought to be judgemental, intolerant, and, to some, even bigoted.

It’s my daily prayer that Jesus returns soon. I cannot imagine hiding in fear while typing up an article like this or worrying about being punished for sharing my faith in God publicly. Prayer number one of our seven prayers of thanks is to thank God for our freedoms.

 I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. Psalm 9:1.

Prayers for Your Family.

I know that every family dynamic is different. Each one presents its challenges, frustrations, and maybe disappointments, too. However, we should be thankful for our family members and pray for them regularly. I don’t want to even think about a sibling, cousin, niece, or nephew not enjoying the magnificent blessings of heaven with me and my glorious Savior someday.

Is there a family member or loved one you need to pray for? Maybe they need to develop a personal relationship with Jesus or receive guidance or encouragement. Ask God to bless them with whatever they need. Remember to pray for your “spiritual siblings,” too!

Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. Colossians 4:2.

 

Prayers for Your Friends.

Earlier, I mentioned my post last month about handling life’s unexpected seasons. Do you realize that our friendships have seasons, too? This makes it all the more important to pray for our friends. Friends are sometimes forced to move away. Career changes, health issues, family needs, and the arrival of a new baby are just a few factors that can change the dynamics of our friendships. Let us remember to always pray for our friends.

I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers. Philemon 1:4.

A man who has friends must himself be friendly, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24.

Prayers for Your Faith.

Recently, I started prioritizing thanking God for the faith He instilled within me to accept His Son as my Lord and Savior. I do not take this type of prayer for granted. God chose me to become a part of His royal family. It’s not based on anything that I have done. I don't have all the answers or understand why some things happen, but I choose to trust God with ALL my heart. Click To Tweet

 

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the ^[evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6.

Three More Prayers of Thanks.

Pastor Chuck Swindoll is a member of my “Spiritual Fantastic Four.”

He is a select group of pastors and Bible teachers who have come alongside me on my journey of redemption to encourage, enlighten, and inspire me about God’s Word. (However, I must admit that group has grown over the past decade since I recommitted my life to Christ. I may have to change it to my “Spiritual Superfriends!”

In a recent devotion,  he encouraged his readers to do these three things regarding gratitude. So, I want to get personal here with you. I’m not there in your city, town, or country, but I want to encourage you to do these three things when you prepare to talk with God.

Look Up. (Worship)

Do you ever look toward the heavens when you talk to the Father? I know we have been taught to bow our heads in prayer, but try looking up and offering worship to the Father when you pray. As I sit in my recliner writing this post, a smile comes to my face when I lean my head back and look up toward heaven.

Right now, I see a ceiling, but I close my eyes and imagine Jesus shining so bright with radiant glory in heaven. He’s looking down, watching over me. He has placed His arms of protection around me. He touches my pain with the gentle touch of His healing, and I say, “Thank You.”

O Lord, our Lord, How excellent is Your name in all the earth, Who have set Your glory above the heavens! Psalm 8:1.

Look Around. (Nature)

One cool thing I’ve discovered recently is the incredible jazz music played on YouTube. I can select from a variety of scenes. A beautiful penthouse in the city or a charming cabin in the woods with a crackling fireplace looking out at the beautiful snow falling gently. This has been perfect for my quiet times and when writing a post or a chapter for my next book.

Once, I showed my caregiver these images, and we came across an incredible underwater video. There were fish, mammals, and creatures I’d never seen before! Whenever I encounter something like this, my mind is blown. I think, wow, God created each one of these!

It’s the same when I see the vastness of an African jungle on Nat Geo and all the beautiful animals cascading, lumbering, and prowling everywhere. What a magnificent God!

Bluebonnet flowers beginning to bloom here in Texas remind us that spring is approaching. Take time to “look around” and see what God has created. Thank Him for choosing you to be a part of everything around you.

 

When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained. Psalm 8:3.

The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Psalm 19:1.

Look Within. (Your heart)

This is my final prayer of thanks, and I want to encourage you to pray. It’s all about looking honestly at our hearts and relationship with God. God does not answer many of the prayers of the unrighteous unless they are crying out for salvation. However, God enjoys hearing from His children. Nonetheless, if Christians have any sin in their hearts, God will not listen to them unless they are prayers of repentance.

So, like King David, ask God to search your heart and reveal any sin, wrong motives, bitterness, etc.- anything that would cause Him to look away from your sin. I want to be sure God hears my prayers when praying for others!

Search me, O God, and know my heart;Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me,And lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23-24.

 Closing Prayer

Thank You, heavenly Father, for the opportunity and the privilege to come before your throne of grace. As we celebrate this season of gratitude and thanksgiving, may we always remember to thank You every day for all You’ve done, continue to do, and will do in our lives. May our attitude of gratitude affect the lives of many for the good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray, amen.

 

Thank you for spending some time with me today. I pray this post has encouraged you to live with gratitude and tell God, “Thank You.”

 

In Christ,

Horace

Want more encouragement and insights to enhance your prayer life? Grab a copy of Horace’s latest inspirational book on the power of prayer!

Unleash the Power of Prayer in Your Life is a wonderful guide that has several important features for those who want to have a closer association with God. I loved that Horace Williams Jr. used his connection with God to explain the significance of prayer and backed it up with several passages from the Bible. Together with the biblical quotations, there are several questions posed throughout that will inspire the reader to think about the points presented in the previous pages, as well as blank pages that are designed for taking important notes. I recommend this work to anyone who wants to have a better, more personal relationship with God. I hope that the author will write more guides like this one that will help people focus more intensely on their faith. -Amy Raines for Readers Favorite.