Ask with Thanksgiving – Tricia Draper

Do not be anxious or worried about anything, but in everything [every circumstance and situation] by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, continue to make your [specific] requests known to God. (Philippians 4:6 AMP)

The highlighted part of our verse is crucial. It mentions not only praying specifically in every situation; it tells us to do so with thanksgiving. This is an essential part of prayer. There are at least two occasions we need to thank God. We need to thank Him right after we pray, believing that He will grant the requests we seek. We also need to thank Him after we receive what He provides. This brings us into a more intimate relationship with our Heavenly Father.

When we come to God with a heart of thankfulness, He is able to do more in our lives. The same is true for us. When someone thanks us for doing something, we are more open to helping them again. When we see that people are appreciative, it becomes more joyful to help them.

When we ask for something from someone else, we need to thank them too. Thanking others is offering them a sense of praise. We know we are to praise God, but we need to appreciate people when they are willing to help us.

If we have a thankful heart, we enjoy our lives much more. When we have that open heart, we are not only helping others, we are helping ourselves grow.

Lord, please show me how to have a thankful heart all the time. Help me thank not only You, but others as well. In Jesus Name, Amen!

Tricia Draper enjoys blessing others with a thankful heart. Contact