The "ABC"s of Prayer - "T" is for Thankgiving

Prayer and Thanksgiving are inseparable. As far back as the account of the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem, the scriptures have identified the fact that prayer should be approached with an attitude of thanksgiving. In fact, the book of Nehemiah mentions that there were certain Israelites whose principal responsibility in worship was "to begin the thanksgiving in prayer:" (Nehemiah 11:17) This thankful attitude is not only to be in response to answered prayer, but even as we make requests we are to pray with thanksgiving. As the Apostle Paul wrote: "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God." (Philippians 4:6) So why then is an attitude of thanksgiving such an integral part of prayer? As we embrace and attitude of thankfulness in the midst of our requests, we are acknowledging by faith that we know God not only hears our prayers but will faithfully answer them !