Our Pillar for Rejoicing
Prayer with Praise
Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:8-9
Key Verse: Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Webster reminds us that a pillar is a prominent supporter! As we consider the Apostle Paul’s challenge to always rejoice, we need a prominent support! He describes this support with the words: “Prayer and petition, with thanksgiving.” It is one thing to pray and petition God for our needs. It’s another thing to do that with authentic thanksgiving! Thanksgiving which is real is a sign of deep conviction that God heard us and will help us!
How often after you pray do you leave that moment of prayer with a smile on your face? If you went to someone and requested their assistance and they agreed, wouldn’t you smile afterwards? I realize it is not easy to know how God will answer our problems, since we don’t hear an audible voice. This is where our faith must kick in! God’s Word has promised that He hears us and works for us. Jesus told us never to stop praying to our Father in Heaven (Luke 18:1-2). Prayers filled with words of praise mixed into the requests are powerful. We are telling God that we truly trust Him when we praise Him before we actually see the answers! The solid pillar for our ability to rejoice always is prayer powered up with praise! Be sure to sincerely thank God for His answers after prayer.
Father, too often I forget to praise you for hearing and answering my requests. I thank you and praise you for your generosity! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.