Praise in Prayer

What do you think of when I say the word "prayer"? Do you think of it as a tool to get you what you want? Do you think of it as a way to communicate with God, telling Him of all your troubles and concerns?

Is prayer all about you? Or is it about God?

Do you come to the throne room overflowing with the blessings of your Savior, giving thanks to Him?

I think prayer should be a way to communicate our praises to God. Prayer is the pleasant fragrance of God, pleasing Him as He sits in His heavenly throne room (See http://www.gracegems.org/Miller/sweet_fragrance_of_prayer.htm).

Of course, prayer is most certainly a place where we can share our worries and concerns with the Lord and to bring our requests to Him (Philippians 4:6). But I think so often we make prayer about ourselves, when it's really about God.  Colossians 1:16 reminds us that "all things were created through Him and for Him" (Emphasis added).

In Colossians 4:2 we are exhorted to "continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving" (Emphasis added).  Thanksgiving is an important part of our daily prayer lives, and should be our priority when approaching the heavenly throne room.

 I encourage you, as you pray without ceasing today, to remember to give thanks in everything to Him (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Weave praises and thanksgiving into your every request (Psalm 150:1-6). Extol Him with music and song today. Instead of listening to classical music, or whatever else you listen to, listen to words that praise God, songs that worship Him.

Come before Him with thanksgiving (Hebrews 13:15), and watch how your day brightens, your doubts leave, and your hope arises. Turn your eyes upon Jesus my friends (Hebrews 12:2)!