Praying In Thank You's

Thank you. It's one of the simplest things to say, and can also be one of the most challenging. At times the vagueness of a “Thank you,” or a nonchalant delivery, lacks depth and meaning, while other times the simplicity and sincerity of those two words leaves nothing more to be said.

"I love you!" He whispered into her ear. She took a deep breath, looked into his eyes, and while moving in for a kiss replied, "Thank you." In times like these “Thank you” is not always the best response, but it can be a lot easier. No strings attached. No commitment.

As the soldier lay pooled in blood, he looked into the eyes of the medic. The soldier taking hold of his dog-tags and a picture of his wife he kept in the pocket covering his heart, handed them to the medic. As he started to move his lips, he barely had strength to form words. The medic cut him off, "Don't worry, I'll tell her you love her, I'll take this to her myself." With his dying breath he barely let out, ”Thank you.” Thank you can be powerful.

In that scenario, the power of the “Thank you” wasn't because of what the recipient did, but because of what he would do. The power came because he believed what he was told would happened, would happened. He thanked him in advance like it had already taken place.

When my son, Casen, was just three years old, I had a strong desire to teach him how to pray. Little did I know that he would be the one teaching me. While I asked for God to do something, Casen thanked God like it had already happened. When my prayer started "God please..." His started with “God, thank you for..."

Prayers are powerful, not because of the words we use to string them together, or because of the title of the person praying. Prayers are powerful because God will do what He has said He will do. Prayers are about us remembering and declaring God's promises and His righteousness.

Power in prayer comes from righteousness. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." I think when we read that passage we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to be the source of power and effectiveness. We then become confused when our prayers lack power because we think the power is in the right words or our personal righteousness. "Maybe if I twist God's arm with eloquence, repeat certain scriptures word for word, or say exactly what my discipleship group leader said, then God will do this. Better yet, I'll have my Pastor pray for this." Our faith for power in prayer gets placed in some person's perfection, or at least our understanding of what might be perfect.

When we notice our prayer isn't answered we ask, "Is there something wrong with me? What am I doing that caused God not to move?" So we try again. "God if you can hear me...." "God if you are able..." "God could you..." "God can you..."

Still no answer. We question ourselves then we question God. "Maybe God doesn't answer prayer anymore." "Maybe God can't, or won't." We then tend to justify ourselves. "Maybe God isn't there after all" we might think.

Our prayers reveal more about our doubt in God's ability and desire than our faith in God's love and power.

Powerful prayers aren't about you; they're not about your words or eloquence. Power is a gift of God received from the Holy Spirit, in the same way righteousness is a gift of God received from the blood of Jesus. My prayers are powerful and effective, not because of my righteousness and power, but because of the righteousness of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit living in me.

When we pray with doubt, when we pray with maybes or when we pray out of our "goodness", the love and power of God become all about us. It is as if God is saying, "I love you" and, our response is only "Of course, thank you." Say, "I love you" back to God requires a commitment. This commitment requires vulnerability, sacrifice, and form a new level of relationship which becomes less about you and more about who you are becoming as you're joined into one heart and mind.

God's "I love you" is the righteousness of Christ, His faithfulness to His promises and His knowledge of what you need before you ask. His "I love you" is a complete understanding of your problems, your situation and the solution. It is His peace which he has already given you. It is His power which He has placed in you. It is His faithfulness even in your unfaithfulness.

So when you pray, don't doubt. When you pray, don't make it about you. When you pray, do not put more faith in fear, anxiety, or worry, than His perfect love and faithfulness.

His word is true. He will do what He has said He will do. His timing is perfect. He does not lie. He gives generously to all who ask. He loves to bless. He loves to restore and renew. Trust His character, stop making everything about yours.

When you pray, trust in His goodness and power. As you go about your everyday ordinary life with a God who loves you, stop praying in wishes and start praying in "Thank You's."

"Thank you God for knowing I need peace and giving it to me before I asked. I rest in your peace even when everything around me tries to steal it."

"Thank you God for providing everything I need, so often I lack self-control but your spirit gives me self-control. Replace my lack, with your Spirit and your abundance."

"Thank you God for healing me. Christ has made all things new and even when I don't see it today, I know you've already brought me into wholeness and my eternity is free from the pain I feel right now."

"God, thank you, you've saved me, redeemed me, restored me, and renewed me. If you have done all of this before, why would I ever doubt you to do it again? Thank you for being faithful. Thank you for making all things new."

Scriptures to Chew On: James 1:5-6; James 5:6; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Acts 1:8; Matthew 6:33;  Matthew 6:5-14;