Pray, Praise and Give Thanks

Repetition can be boring, obviously. However, I still believe that it’s the best way to learn and retain information.

Since I have absolutely no mind for mathematics, I can attest to that fact. Without the constant repetition of the multiplication tables as a young child, there is no way I would be able to remember what 9x7 equals. I can also still name most of the counties in Minnesota. I buckled down and learned them all in spite of my protests during Mr. Klefsaas’ eighth-grade geography class – and that knowledge has actually proven helpful on more than one occasion.

I was reading my copy of Meditations, a daily devotional from Northwestern Publishing House ( https://online.nph.net/cgi-bin/site.pl?servingyou/magazines/meditations ) the other day, when I read a passage from Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 3:9-11 (New International Version)


9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.

I’ve read this before – several times. Again, repetition has a way of not only helping me to remember this passage, the devotion reminded me that when we say we will pray for someone, we really need to do it. It’s easy to say it, then forget to actually follow through.

Prayers don’t have to be long-winded, or full of fancy words. They don’t even need to be said out loud. God knows the hearts of all men.

1 Timothy 2 (NIV)


Instructions on Worship


1I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone— 2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6who gave himself as a ransom for all men—the testimony given in its proper time. 7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles.


8I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

James 5:13-14 (New International Version)

The Prayer of Faith


13Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.

Proverbs 15:29


29The LORD is far from the wicked,


but he hears the prayer of the righteous.

James 5:16 (KJV)


Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

I know people who don’t pray. So what's up with that?  They might not think it’s necessary. They could read the Bible all day long, but wouldn’t that be like a one-sided conversation? God does all the giving, but you don’t bother to open your mouth to say thank you? It’s good to remember to give thanks for what you have been given.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (New International Version)

16Be joyful always; 17pray continually; 18give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.