On Our Knees: A 5 Day Devotional on PrayerSample

Prayer as Praise and Thanksgiving

I love this chapter in the Bible of praise and thanksgiving for the wonders that God has accomplished. God has resoundingly delivered His people from Egypt in this part of the Exodus journey for Israel. As we have read, He does it in miraculous ways. God has drowned the formidable army that was chasing them in the waves of the Red Sea. As a worship leader, I’m all in on the fact that Miriam leads this expression of gratitude with singing and dancing. What better way to celebrate God’s faithfulness than to sing and praise Him? In my thirty years of actively walking with Jesus, I continue to be amazed by the joy-bringing, darkness-shaking, depression-breaking power that comes from my prayers of gratitude to God. I believe worship, both in song and in life, flows from a heart full of thanksgiving. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve felt the weight of being tired, frustrated, full of anxiety, or depressed, then experienced it all lift away as I’ve spent time giving thanks to God.

I think it’s important to praise God not only in my thoughts but out loud as well. Sometimes I go for walks and start talking to Him and thanking Him for all the blessings in my life—from my wife and kids to my ministry to the weather. Prayers of gratitude are like preaching to your own soul of God’s goodness, kindness, love, and generosity. Thanksgiving is a weapon and shield against the enemy's darkness and lies.

Just as Miriam broke into praise because of God’s deliverance, we can do the same every day because of what Jesus has done and is doing in our lives. I believe that prayers of thanksgiving and praise are the key to embracing a life of joy in Jesus.

TODAY’S PRAYER

Heavenly Father, I praise Your name for all You have done for me today. I give thanks for Your love, Your grace, and the resurrection life You have offered me. Thank You for the life and breath You give to me. I praise Your Holy name for victory over sin. Because of You, I can praise and sing like Miriam. I am delivered! Amen.

RESPOND

How can approaching prayer with gratitude and thanksgiving change your outlook on life?