Prayer (2)

Course: Different Forms of Prayer

Lesson 5

Lesson Title: Giving of Thanks (eucharisteo)

Lesson Goal: That the student will learn to always pray with thanksgiving.

Text: Philippians 4:6 ‘Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.'

Theme: Thankfulness glorifies the Lord.

Introduction: Prayer is associated with thanksgiving.

• Prayer and supplication must be with thanksgiving, Philippians 4:6 .
• Giving thanks in all things is mentioned after being told pray without ceasing, 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18.
• Paul prayed and gave thanks to God when he saw the power of God in the believers, Philippians 1:3-4; Colossians 3:3.

Question: Why does God require us to be thankful?

Introductory illustrations: God requires thankfulness not just appreciation.

• A parent requires a child to give thanks to teach good manners. But this is not the case with God. Manners are often cultural.
• A parent is often satisfied with seeing the delight on the face of their child.
• A dog gives its owner pleasure when it wags its tail because it is going for a walk or getting food.
• But thankfulness is more than this and God requires us to be thankful in our prayer life.

• Thankfulness puts the attention on the giver of the gift. Being delighted focuses attention on the gift.

Question: Can we be thankful in all circumstances? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 ‘in everything give thanks…’

Yes because the focus is on the glory of God, not our circumstances. We can rejoice, giving thanks in prayer knowing that God is fulfilling His purpose in our lives, (Romans 8:28).

Exposition:

1. Giving thanks expresses joy in the nature and character of God (who He is and what He has done).

• Thankfulness is focused on the character of the person who has provided all things. Giving thanks for His mercy. Holy Communion is called ‘The Eucharist’ in the Church of England. The word Eucharist is the Greek word meaning ‘to give thanks’. Before Jesus broke the bread at the last Supper He gave thanks, 1 Corinthians 11:24. We are to continuously give thanks for our salvation.

• We are to come into the Lord’s presence in prayer with thankfulness. Psalm 100:4, ‘Enter His gates with thanksgiving’. If we are unthankful our prayer will not be heard. Thankfulness goes hand in hand with joyfulness. God’s people must be a rejoicing people.

2. Thankfulness will lead us into a closer relationship with the Lord.

• Thankfulness sees the nature of the Fathers love - ‘He that spared not His Son – How shall he not with Him also freely give us all things?’ Romans 8:32. We give thanks because our salvation was bought at such a great price. How much are you worth? You were worth the life of the Son of God.
• Thankfulness will cause us to see the beauty of Jesus, ‘The altogether lovely One’. Paul had one desire ‘to know Him’, Philippians 3:10.
• Prayer with thanksgiving in the Holy Spirit is worship that the Father seeks to see in His children, John 4:23-24.

3. The gospels show that Jesus looked for thanksgiving in those he healed. Luke 17:11-19:

• The Samaritan leper came back giving thanks and worshipped Jesus. The Lord expected thanks, ‘‘Were not ten cleansed, where are the nine?’ (Luke 17:17). The lepers who were healed and did not give thanks were primarily concerned about themselves.
• The man born blind who Jesus healed worshipped Him, John 9:38. This is the highest form of thanksgiving. His testimony was ‘I was blind, now I can see’ (John 9:25).
• The testimony of every born again Christian is the same as the blind man. Thankfulness must always characterise our lives as Christians.

Conclusion:

The Christian life is a life of prayer and thanksgiving.

1. We give thanks because of the nature and character of God who provided the way of salvation.

2. When we give thanks we become more aware of the Father’s love, and the beauty of Jesus. Our thanksgiving delights the Lord.

3. The Lord always looked for thankfulness in those He healed. Those who have saved from sin should always be thankful.

What should the student do?

1) Give thanks to God for one another

2) Give thanks to God that He enables us to be victorious in all situations and circumstances.

3) Give thanks because of who He is and what He has done for us.

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