Day 12: 31 Days of Prayer

Day 12: 31 Days of Prayer

Verse:

Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever. (Mzm 107:1 - TB)

Reflection:

Today, the idea is simple: Give thanks to God. Throughout the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles make the importance of giving thanks very clear. In Luke 17:11-19, we see how deeply Jesus values gratitude. In this story, ten men with leprosy came to be healed. They cried out to Jesus for healing. After Jesus had compassion on them and gave them instructions to show themselves to the priests, they obeyed His words and were healed. Yet after their healing, only one, a Samaritan, came back to thank Jesus for His mercy. Jesus’ response was  "Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?" Often we can be like the other nine lepers, earnestly crying out to God when we are in great need. But forgetting to thank God after He has met our need. During these 31 days of prayer, I am sure we have seen and will continue to see God answer our specific prayers and keep moving powerfully. God wants us to cry out to Him, ask Him for everything, and pray persistently. But we must not forget to return to Him and give thanks for what He has done. We must be just as sincere in thanking God for the miracles He has done as when we ask Him to do miracles.

Challenge:

Today, take time in prayer simply to give thanks. Thank God for His character: specifically, His goodness and His love as described in Psalm 107. Also thank Him for His ways that you have seen as He answered prayers, His work in your life, and the ways He has healed you.

Translated from the article “31 Days of Prayer: Day 12” by Cortney Fink