Thank God

Thank God – Insights from God’s Word
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. - Colossians 2:2–3

Thank God – Prayer of Gratitude
Prayer: Lord, in this moment my heart soars in anticipation knowing You have something to say to us. I find myself realizing I stand on holy ground because You are here with me. I sense Your love, and I know You desire to share Your heart with me and all who pray this prayer. I am humbled in this moment realizing You are real. It causes my heart to leap as I wrap my arms around the truth of my faith which reminds me that You are who You say You are, the same today as You were in the beginning and will be in the end.

I am filled with a hope that surpasses my meager human understanding. I recognize I can break through the gates of heaven because of my relationship with You -- and because of the increasing revelation of who You are and what You died to accomplish. I often pray the Lord’s Prayer in these times. I often tremble when I pray for Your will to be done on the earth as it is done in heaven. On top of it all, my faith tells me You reward those who seek You -- and I stand in awe.

A few years ago I began to grasp that the gates of heaven were open to me right now on this earth. I learned over the years that I could bridge the gap between heaven and earth by my prayers and by my faith. I came to understand I didn’t have to die to go to heaven, but that I could begin experiencing heaven right now. This is my inheritance as Your child because I believe in You.

I am also beginning to understand that You alone are above all rulers, authorities, thrones or powers (Colossians 1:16). As I grappled with the reality of that truth, my own reality was transformed. I pray continually to be allowed the privilege of being a messenger of power. I pray also to be allowed to increase my knowledge and understanding of Your deity -- and as I do -- I see that You are the same today as You were in the days when You walked the earth. I know You desire to show Your kids some miraculous things.

My heart is so full in this moment. I realize I have been on a quest where You were revealing Yourself to me -- step by step. It’s almost as if there is a ladder with many rungs on it leading to a deeper faith and a deeper relationship with You. With each step I have taken, I have ascended a little higher on that ladder. The most important gift of all is the knowledge that You are the greatest gift I was ever given.

Somehow I know that You are at the top of a ladder holding the keys to the kingdom of heaven -- and on every level I climb You open new doors of understanding inviting me in so You can reveal Yourself. My faith grows stronger each day as I have come to recognize who You truly are - and to understand that all authority, power and dominion are yours. It is not about me, but it is all about You. I can live in You, trust in You, follow You and be used by You. You will share Your secrets and Your knowledge and wisdom as well as Your power -- but it is all Yours and not mine. I simply acknowledge You for who You are -- and in this moment I am set free to experience for myself all You have prepared for me.

I will probably never fully understand the magnitude of this great gift of Yourself, but each day You help me to go a little deeper and trust You a little more. My old selfish attitudes and egos are being buried, and my hope and faith is increasing. I have very little earthly influence, but I have access to the King of Kings Himself -- and that is all I will ever need. To see You as You are -- high and lifted up -- to see You on Your throne with the angels and saints surrounding You in worship and praise -- is all I will ever need.

My prayer heart screams out in joy and gratitude, knowing You are listening to this prayer. My heart tells me You will respond in Your own way, in Your own timing, as we seek You out and willingly acknowledge You for who You are. You are changing the lives of all who pray this prayer as You touch their hearts individually -- just as You have touched mine.

I fall to my knees in humble gratitude acknowledging You as my King and Lord - praising You for the gift of Your people for whom I pray.

Thank God – Making it Personal
Reflect: This prayer comes from a heart that somehow knows how much God desires to reveal Himself to all of us. He has much to share -- many secrets to reveal. The potential we have in this life as believers to touch His heart with our prayers and with our hunger to know him, should not be underestimated. He desires to use you in ways you cannot possibly understand until You have spent significant time with Him. It is humbling to remember that it is His desire that draws us to Himself. It happens as we live for Him, trust His truth, and humble ourselves in faith and obedience. We need to remember that He is the same today -- as He was yesterday - and will be tomorrow. I would encourage You to unwrap this truth and the implication it has for Your life.