The word directs us to enter into God’s gates with thanksgiving and praise; be thankful to Him and bless His name (Psalm 100:4). It also tells us that it is His will concerning us to give Him thanks for everything. (1 Thessalonians 5:18). When most people think of prayers of thanksgiving, they think it is a prayer to praise God for something He has given or done for us, or someone else.  Prayers of thanksgiving can also be prayers for something we are trusting God to do in advance.

The Apostle Paul thanked God for the believers in Philippi every time he remembered them because of their partnership in the gospel. He also thanked God for being confident that He would perfect the good work in them that He had begun until Jesus’ returned (Philippians 1:3-6). Paul also thanked God for the saints at Ephesus after he learned of their faith in Jesus. (Ephesians 1:15). Paul, Silvanus and Timotheus thanked God for the faith and labor of love from the Thessalonians shown to the people of Macedonia and Achaia (1 Thessalonians 1:2-8).

The bible also warns us that in the latter day some shall depart from the faith. The bible also tells us that every creature of God is good and not to be refused; but rather received with thanksgiving for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer (l Timothy 4:1-5). Children of God – let’s take the example of Paul and pray prayers of thanksgiving for our fellow brethren in Christ who share our faith.  Let’s also pray for those who have departed from the faith with prayers of thanksgivings while trusting God in advance to bring them back into His fold so He can finish the good work He began in them.