The Transformational Power of GratitudeSýnishorn

What We Pray For

When we pray, we tend to focus on the circumstances of our lives. It is a very natural thing to do. Things are going on in our lives that we do not like; some are causing us considerable pain, and we want them to be removed. Life, we reason, would be better if these circumstances were different.

As hard as it is for us to understand, let alone accept, troubling circumstances are a revolving door. They will always be with us. One is replaced, all too soon, by another. The result is growing anxiety and despair.

What Paul has to say in Philippians 4 is quite profound. He tells us not to be anxious but to present our requests to God.

The key, though, is to be thankful. “With thanksgiving,” Paul says. Notice that thanksgiving is not conditional; it accompanies the request, not the result. In other words, Paul is encouraging us to be thankful when we make our petitions, which is infinitely more important than whether those petitions are answered as we hope.

What is the result of this kind of forward thanksgiving? Peace. When we approach God this way, He blesses us with His peace that transcends all circumstances, reason, and understanding.

When we perceive our relationship with God in this way, God can guard our hearts and minds from the anxiety banging at the door. He does not do this by eliminating the difficulties. He does it by providing a relationship with us that rises above all difficulties.

The peace we find in prayer is this: we have access to Him who transcends all that troubles us. In that alone, there is much to be thankful for.