The word “thanksgiving” is defined as “a prayer expressing gratitude” (from merriam-webster.com).
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.” (Colossians 4:2, NASB)
In this verse, we find Paul connecting thanksgiving and prayer much the same manner as the dictionary.
It begs the question, “What is the connection between prayer and gratitude?
Perhaps it means that in the course of our day, we are presented with opportunities to choose either gratitude or annoyance.
We can choose to be grateful for the hand we have been given or annoyed, angered even, by what we haven’t received.
I recently read of a person who takes a few minutes before getting up from bed to name a few things for which he is grateful. He stated, in so doing, he finds the rest of his day is happier.
The simple practice impacts the rest of his day. He is not only happier, but more inclined to desire to bring happiness or cheer to others.
Returning to the above verse, Paul provides three directives for us to live by:
- Devoted – Prayer will not be something that comes naturally to us. It’s probably why it is often a last resort, or a struggle to prayer.
- Keeping alert. – Answers to be prayer may come in ways we aren’t expecting. If we are going to recognize His answers, we need to posture ourselves and stay alert. This brought to mind the Scripture: “My soul waits for the Lord. More than the watchman for the mourning; Indeed, more than the watchman in the morning” (Psalm 130:6, NASB).
- Thanksgiving – Prayer should be “with an attitude of thanksgiving.”
Eugene Peterson words this verse beautifully:
“Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.” (MSG)
Perhaps this is part of our problem. Our eyes need to be wide open, looking for the very reasons we are to be grateful. They may just be right in front of our eyes.
Be devoted to prayer.
Stay alert.
Keep your eyes wide open.
We know life is one big ongoing educational process. But what if it isn’t all just lessons? What if it is about remaining malleable in His hands so that we become more like Him? Lois Flowers will have you thinking when you read her post “When You Long to Know the Reason For Your Struggle” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
In a way, it’s sad we have to be told to be grateful. But I’m glad God is a loving and patient parent who wants to develop thankfulness within us.
Agreed… and yet… we are sheep
Eyes wide open to gratitude is such a great posture for living—and not merely in November!
Philippians 4:6-7 has been the prayer focus in our home for about 3 years now. We cling to these truths. Eyes wide open. Eyes on Jesus and shine. Psalm 34:5
A great highlight, Joanne, that we have the opportunity to choose gratitude or annoyance. My little Yorkie woke me up very early this morning, so I was dealing with an undercurrent of annoyance, but your post reminded me that I have a choice. I am now choosing gratitude. Thank you!
I like the idea of opening our eyes to see God’s goodness. When we realize we bring nothing into this world it becomes easier to recognize God’s gracious gifts.
I remember Ann Voskamp’s 1,000 gifts link-up – oh, how that taught me to open my eyes wide for the blessings He sends. I thought your line about choosing thanksgiving over annoyance was eye-opening. Maybe those annoying moments are opportunities to step into thankfulness – I am going to keep that in mind as I drive through town today – lol, and when I spill things, or measure wrong – oh, there’s a whole list of opportunities in the daily to choose thanksgiving over annoyance. I sure needed this perspective-change.
I often think gratitude opens the door & shines the light on the blessings we have & refocus’ our hearts on the Lord rather than our circumstances.
Thank you for hosting sweet friend, Jennifer
Happy November, Joanne! I hope you don’t mind, but I took a screenshot of your synopsis of Paul’s directive, including the Eugene Peterson quote to serve as a reminder to myself. I have always found that coming to God each day with a grateful heart puts me in the right frame of mind to meet what’s ahead. Sometimes, though, I forget (imagine that!)!!! I belong to a support group for my heart condition and one of it’s mantras is “life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we respond to it” and these directives from Paul takes that to such an important place! Thank you!
Joanne, just the other day, I had to make a conscious effort to choose gratitude over annoyance. You’re right … it is definitely a choice, and not always an easy one! But when we choose thankfulness, it helps in so many ways. Thanks so much for sharing my post … that was an unexpected blessing from this week!