Anissa Thomas
Tabore MTC, Staten
Island, NY
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16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in
all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
In Paul’s Epistle to the Thessalonians, we see Paul
outlining the manner in which the Lord desires us to lead and live our
lives; being fervent in prayer.
Prayer is not situation specific. In which times do you thank
the Lord in prayer for the blessings he has bestowed upon you? Do you thank
Him only for the positive? Or do you examine all the triumphs and battles
the Lord has given you and thank Him daily in your prayers? It comes easy
to us to be thankful in the good times; but we struggle to rejoice in times
of pain. We struggle to see the purpose in the battles we face throughout
our lives. We fail to remain steadfast in our prayers when it seems as if
our prayers are not panning out to what we desire.
Prayer is not to be viewed as magic. Prayer is not a time where
you voice your desires, your wishes to the Lord and expect them to be
fulfilled. The Lord is not to be viewed as a magic genie that fulfills our
prayers. We often pray for what we want when the Lord blesses us with what
we need.
Prayer is communication. Prayer is your opportunity to align
your heart with God’s will for you. Set aside uninterrupted time for you
and the Lord to spend together. Use it as a time to explore the
circumstances in life you may be grappling with; and as a time to express
your gratitude for any circumstances that have been used to manifest the
Lord’s master plan for you. Your call, your cry to the Lord in your time of
prayer is your open invitation to seek Him. Seek for what you require of
Him and listen for what He requires from you.
Be joyful, always. Pray continually; prayer can never be
exhausted. In all circumstances be thankful. Even when it seems that our
prayers are not being answered, God hears us. Remain persistent in prayer
for He will never forsake you.
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PRAYER
Lord, allow our prayers
to serve as a way to display our gratitude for all the blessings and battles
you have bestowed upon us . We are not worthy of your love and your mercy,
but you have given it to us freely. We are no where near the people you
have planned for us to be but grant us the days to better ourselves according
to your will. Amen.
THOUGHT
FOR THE DAY:
One day passed without thanking the Lord for all that He has done for you
is one too many.