As we enter the month of Thanksgiving and giving thanks, we felt inspired to share something we have learned that strengthens faith and increases our capacity for gratitude at the same time. We invite you to practice the art of "Thanking God in Advance."
If you've never heard of such a thing or tried it yourself, it may sound strange or perhaps even seem wrong. Are we tempting God when we assume he wants to bless us with what we want? Will we be disappointed when it doesn't happen in the way and with the timing that we hoped? On the other hand, do we want to continue asking for lists of things we want to be different -- wondering if it will ever happen?
The answers to these questions are personal and largely based on our hearts. However we choose to pray, the spirit with which we approach our God matters and has impact. We have come to believe that thanking God in advance for the blessings we seek, as though he as already blessed us with them, demonstrates our trust and increases our faith in a heavenly parent who wants to bless us with our righteous desires. As long as we are open to the how and the timing, we can trust God will hear our prayers and answer them in his own wise time and way.
One of our favorite scriptures in the New Testament, and certainly our favorite from the apostle Paul is:
The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)
May we use this month of giving thanks to not only thank God in advance for the blessings we desire but also to thank Him for the abundantly rich blessings we already have. Joy comes from our intentional awareness of all the goodness we are already blessed with. May your joy, and your blessings, increase as we enter into the month of Thanksgiving!
NEW PODCAST:
LILY Pod: Thank God in Advance
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