3 I thank my God every time I remember you. 4 In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:3 – 6, New International Version)
Theme: Rejoicing and Thanksgiving
Context:
Yesterday we considered the first of three important areas that we can include in our prayers as we practice rejoicing and thanksgiving. Our focus yesterday was on God (who He is and what He does). It was great to hear how some of you rejoice in God and thank Him as you pray. Thank you!
Today we turn to the second area of focus – people in our lives.
Bible Passages:
In our passage today, the Apostle Paul is thankful every time he remembers his partners in the sharing of the gospel in Philippi. Paul sets an example that is worthy of consideration as we think about a life of prayer that includes rejoicing and thanksgiving. Please study the passage and answer the questions below.
Questions:
- What categories of people in your life inspire you to thank God?
- Do you remember these people with joy in prayer?
Please leave a comment. We would love to hear from you.
March 7, 2023 at 7:12 am
My family(children) keep me close to the throne of God, most times it is in thanksgiving with joy but also beseeching God to help them. My husband I almost 100% of the time give thanks with joy for him. Then there are siblings both mine and his. Friends who are like family these I’m more likely to remember many times per week. Then there are friends from Bible study or church who I give thanks for if there’s an immediate need or they happen to cross my mind. However, there is a marked distinction with giving thanks with joy for those closest to me versus those who are not.
March 7, 2023 at 8:15 am
My husband is at the top of my list especially today as we celebrate 120 months of marriage. My parents who introduced me to the gospel. My siblings who spur me on in my spiritual growth and are a source of laughter.
There are others I know who are struggling and continually thrive for God’s sustaining hand. Their strength is a source of joy.
I remember them all with joy in my prayers.
March 7, 2023 at 8:20 am
A category of people that inspire me to thank God is family (my parent and siblings) and (my spouse and children). Another category is good friends.
Most of the time I remember these people with joy. There are times that I come to God to pray for them because of something that is going on in their life that is causing sadness and/or pain. At those times I am thankful that I can come to God about them, but the circumstance is not necessarily joyful.
I am very thankful to God for the family I was born into, and for the family he has blessed me with, as my own.
March 7, 2023 at 1:54 pm
My family, especially my children and their families. My mother & siblings. My.friends, including my bible study group. I rember them with joy, with gratitude. I also pray for my daughter’s teachers and her friends, as they impact her daily life. Similarly the leaders of the Caribbean & the world as they also greatly influence our lives. For those in health care to find cures. For the millions of refugees, for victims of war & disasters, natural or man made. Also that the criminals would know God and to change their ways. Too much suffering in the world.
March 7, 2023 at 2:38 pm
Also for pastors, evangelicals, and their families, the church.
March 7, 2023 at 4:47 pm
My family, my pastor, leaders of church, my bible study and prayer group members. Grateful I have relationship with my best friend, Jesus who knows me well. All the people I mentioned above is like my “support” group. I make sure anywhere I live, I always find a church with good ladies group or bible study and fellowship group. They support me with prayers and also it’s a blessing and privilege to be able to pray for others. The body of Christ is important. Being surrounded by people with same faith and deep
Love for God is the source of my strength and encouragement. But I also enjoy being with my husband’s colleagues as I get to know other cultures , and somehow With God’s grace I could find a way on how to share the gospel to others. It’s better to be friends with them at first, then later on as friendship grows, there’s always a chance for me to share the gospel and even my faith with them. After all, what others see and experience with me could help them to understand the joy I have, which is a reflection of God’s unconditional love for me.
March 7, 2023 at 9:35 pm
Like all of you, I rejoice and give thanks to God for my family. While reflecting on this question though, I had to acknowledge that I am usually more diligent in making requests than rejoicing and giving thanks. Outside of my family, I am most consistent in giving thanks for the members of a Men’s Christian fellowship that I have been a part of for almost two decades. I am also very thankful for the participants on this 40 Days of Discipline journey.
March 8, 2023 at 6:40 pm
I give Thanks for my Health, my children and grandchildren.i even gave Thanks that the Lord took my 91 year old sister home this week.
Ended her suffering.
I thank God that my youngest daughter took me on this walk with Jesus.
March 8, 2023 at 9:06 pm
I am very sorry to hear about your sister, Yasmin. I am glad that you are giving God thanks in the circumstances. Thanks for taking the time to share.