We’ve been looking at the ACTS model for prayer:
A—Adoration
C—Confession
T—Thanksgiving
S—Supplication
If you’ve used this method, you know how it can streamline your prayer time. Which is fine; sometimes we need “quick.” God understands. That’s part of any real relationship. Sometimes I only have a couple of minutes for my husband, child, or friend. But they know I’ll spend more time with them next time. (Just as an aside … do you spend more time with God “next time?”) But today I want to talk about slowing down when we’re praying, because I’m afraid more often than not we are too rushed. We’re in a hurry most of the time, giving God the spare moments of our lives, which isn’t the way to cultivate any relationship … even one with an infinitely patient and loving Father and Friend.
In all honesty, many of us only come to God with the need of the moment, when we’ve got something we can’t handle on our own. I guess at least we recognize our helplessness and God’s ability and turn to the One who can help. But, once again, this isn’t really a relationship is it? If you’ve got kids you’ll understand this. Each of my kids went through phases where they really only came to me when they needed me. They weren’t seeking me out for conversation or fun or fellowship; they only wanted what I could give them. And most of the time I was happy to oblige; they are, after all, my kids—I love them no matter what! But every once in a while I would remind them it would be nice if they would spend time with me. Which is why I think today’s focus—the “T” of our model, which stands for Thanksgiving—is placed where it is: before we ask for anything! Thanking God before we present our requests to Him forces us to slow down and realign our focus on God rather than our need(s).
As we’ve done previously, I want us to dive into the definition of thanksgiving, just to remind ourselves of what it really entails. But, as is often the case with dictionaries, we’ve got to get beyond circular definitions before we can flesh out the deeper meaning. Thanksgiving means “to give thanks”; thanks means “grateful thoughts” or “an expression of gratitude;” gratitude means “the state of being grateful” or “thankfulness.” So… having established it’s gratefulness that we’re expressing. Let’s dive into the definition of grateful.
Grateful
1 a: appreciative of benefits received
b: expressing gratitude
“grateful thanks”
2 a : affording pleasure or contentment : PLEASING
b : pleasing by reason of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated
Most of us think of the first definition when we think of thanksgiving or gratitude. We’re appreciative of the benefits we’ve received from God, and we take the time to tell Him so. Now, I’m not downplaying this in any way! God wants gratitude to spring from our hearts for what He’s done for us. It’s good for our souls. In fact 1 Thessalonians 5 tells us being thankful is God’s will for us!
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
But take a look at that second definition, because there’s something there I think we may have glossed over. Gratitude isn’t just an acknowledgement of the benefits God’s given us, but a recognition of the pleasing nature of God. Who God is should afford us as much pleasure as what He’s done for us. And, yes, it’s a little hard to parse those out, because God does what He does because He is who He is. But. . .if we can begin to understand that true gratitude goes beyond the attitude of the kid who is glad his parent has given him what he wanted and approaches instead the attitude of a spouse or longtime friend who is thankful for the person and the relationship, then I think we’re getting closer to that second definition. Which is why we need to start with “A”—Adoration. It’s both/and not either/or.
Our hearts and minds need to adore who God is so that we can truly be grateful for what He’s done. We need to squelch our tendency to rush in and ask God for what we want and then rush back out. Instead, we should stop and savor the pleasing nature of God (Adoration), humbling ourselves before Him (Confession), so that true gratitude for what He has done and will do for us (Thanksgiving) becomes the natural outflow. Then, and only then, should we petition God (Supplication), because then our petitions will flow from right hearts aligned with God’s will … and those are the prayers God answers (1 John 5:14)!
The Bible is replete with songs of thanksgiving, both for who God is and what He’s done. (If you need a ready-made song of thanksgiving, I recommend 1 Chronicles 16:8-36.) But you can make your own psalm of thanksgiving! First, write down five things God has done for you; next, read them within this gratitude “sandwich”:
I thank you God for You are so good and faithful. Your steadfast love and neverending mercies have kept me …
[read your list now]
I thank You and praise You for all You have done for me!
My sisters and brothers, let’s cultivate an “attitude of gratitude” this month!
Until next time … blessings,
Aimee
