The author is Sara Young. This missionary/author explains in the foreword of her book that she always journaled her prayers until God whispered, “Instead of writing your prayers to me, write down what I’m saying to you.”
It was a revelatory thought for Sara and a life-changing one.
I love this devotional because it’s so simple. However, even though the meditations are only but a paragraph or two, the words on the page eerily seem to apply to my need for the day. It’s funny how God-things do that isn’t it? And to be honest, the very words God speaks to Sara remind me I’m not alone in my worries and struggles. There is such power in camaraderie. When I realize I’m not the only one facing giants, the giants don’t look so daunting.
Her words are potent, but they are also often poetic which stir the word-guru in me. Her (perhaps I should say God’s) words for February 25 were not revolutionary. They were a precept I’ve known for a long time, but I’ve never read such a beautiful picture of thanksgiving painted before my eyes in words. Listen…
Thank me for each blessing along the way; this brings Joy to both you and Me. A grateful heart protects you from negative thinking. Thankfulness enables you to see the abundance I shower upon you daily. Your prayers and petitions are winged into heaven’s throne room when they are permeated with thanksgiving. In everything give thanks, for this is My will for you. (p. 58)
I want my prayers and petitions to fly. How about you? I want them to fly straight to the throne of grace. I’ve always known thanksgiving important. I’ve taught about it and lived it, but somehow this visual just placed this precept into a level of greatest importance.
What are you thankful for today? Tell Him! Let’s go to the Father with thanksgiving rather than plea after plea after plea. Our caterpillar prayers will become something beautiful. Spring is coming. Perhaps it is time for a new season of prayer too.
Much love,
andy
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:16
