Today we continue our series Revival Praying and today we are talking about the power of a thankful heart.

Philippians 4:4-6 (NKJV) “Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” With thanksgiving…The Apostle Paul was exhorting us to not be afraid but to pray. How many of you know it is easy with what is going on in our world to be afraid? Paul had learned to be thankful because he knew Jesus could be trusted in all circumstances. 

1. The Lord’s will be done. I have actually heard people say that praying that prayer is a lack of faith and a sign of weakness. What about Jesus? Didn’t He pray that prayer three times in the garden? Matthew 26:42 (NKJV) “He went away and prayed, saying, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." I personally do not believe it is a lack of faith but an act of submission. Jesus asked the Father, if it was possible, for Him to be delivered but when He understood it was not to be so…Your will be done. When God’s will is done we can be thankful for sure.

2. Pray in the Spirit (Holy Spirit). Romans 8:26 (NIV) “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.” What was Paul saying here. Holy Spirit is available to help us in our weakness, sickness, or adversity. Holy Spirit is available to help us when we do not know what to pray. He intercedes for us. Holy Spirit knows what is in our hearts and will work on our behalf. Holy Spirit prays through us in accordance with God’s will. God, your will be done. Holy Spirit is working with the Father to make sure things turn out for our good. Holy Spirit gives us much to be thankful for in our lives.

3. Prayer with thanksgiving. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-19 (NKJV) “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. These verses tie everything together. Your will be done. What’s His will? Rejoicing, praying continuously, giving thanks, and not quenching Holy Spirit. These are keys to bringing God glory. In everything not for everything, give thanks. I didn’t feel led to thank God for being in the hospital, but in my situation, in the hospital, in the harvest field, I felt the need to thank Him. To worship Him. Psalm 105:1(NKJV) “Oh, give thanks to the LORD!”