Prayer is an ever-evolving aspect of our lives. Our needs, our life experiences, what’s happening with those around us – all of these things are always changing. And with those changes comes a change in how we approach prayer, what we pray for, and how we react to whatever way God chooses to answer. Some things that drove my prayer life 15 years ago don’t necessarily drive it today, and what drives my prayer life today probably won’t be the exact same thing that drives it 15 years from now. But while our prayer lives may evolve over time in a lot of different ways there are always those things that are constant. I got to thinking the other day about my own prayer life and realized that while many things come and go there are at least 5 things that I thank God for every single day.
Every day I thank God for my family. I try not to take the blessing of having a loving Christian wife and two healthy daughters for granted. I know of so many who have not been as fortunate. I’ve lived long enough to appreciate what the wisdom writers said about a godly wife and children – a godly wife (worthy woman) is more valuable than rubies (Proverbs 31:10) and children are a heritage of God and man’s reward (Psalm 127:3-5). If I truly believe these things (and I do) then I would be remiss if I didn’t thank God for them every single day.
Every day I thank God for the opportunity to be one of His children. Paul counted being adopted into God’s family as among the greatest of spiritual blessings that God has granted humanity (Ephesians 1:3-5). And when we truly understand the full benefits of being one of His children it’s easy to understand why he spoke of it in such a way. God’s children have access to worship, to grace, to redemption, and ultimately to heaven. It is such a blessing to be able to call God our Father – how could I not thank Him for it?
Every day I thank God for the church. In a day and age when the concept of organized religion is mocked there is still eternal value in the church. I mean isn’t the church the fulfillment of God’s eternal purpose (Ephesians 3:10-11)? Isn’t the church the blood bought body of Jesus Christ (Acts 20:28)? Wasn’t the church God’s means of making all of humanity one (Ephesians 2:12-16)? Isn’t the church God’s means of saving mankind (Ephesians 5:23)? It is all of these things and so much more. Why would I not thank Him for it?
Every day I thank God for redemption. I have no grand illusions of being perfect or anywhere close to it. Like Jeremiah I live with the reality that “the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). In my sin I was lost without any hope in the world, at least I was until I submitted my life to Jesus and obtained redemption (Hebrews 9:12). That means that even though I was guilty in sin by the blood of Jesus I am considered by God to be innocent. He’s forgiven me, cleansed me of my unrighteousness, and He’ll remember my sins and iniquities no more. I once was lost, but now I’m found and I thank God for it every day.
Every day I thank God for the gospel. How to lead my family; what it means to be one of His children; everything we know about His church; and the information we need to accept His redemption? It’s all contained in the gospel, the good news (Romans 1:16). It’s profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, and it is able to perfect man before God (2 Timothy 3:16-17). It has the power to take the hardest of hearts and slice through it like a hot knife through butter (Hebrews 4:12). It can transform us (Romans 12:2). And when I see what I once was, but now am because of the power of the gospel how can I not give Him thanks?
Are there other things for which I give thanks? Absolutely. But some things come and go. These are blessings of which I am reminded every day and fall before God in appreciation for all He has done for me.
-Andy