You Are My God And I Will Give Thanks

It is interesting to note that the examples of righteous prayer in the Bible consist mostly of praise and worship. These prayers always begin and end with statements glorifying and honouring God. They acknowledge who God is, thank Him for what He has done in the past, and trust Him for what He is going to do now. Even if the present situation is dire, life-threatening, and seemingly hopeless, the request for God's help comes in the middle of the prayer, consisting only of one or maybe two sentences.

When God's children come near to Him in prayer, we are instructed to first enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving

and His courts with praise;

give thanks to Him

and praise His Name."

Psalm 100:4 (NIV)

If there is a desperate need to call upon the Name of the Lord, we are still not to neglect to first offer God a thank offering.

"I will sacrifice a thank offering to You

and call on the Name of the Lord."

Psalm 116:17 (NIV)

God wants us to present our requests to Him, but with thanksgiving.

"Do not be anxious about anything,

but in everything,

by prayer and petition,

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God."

Philippians 4:6 (NIV)

We can always give thanks to God and exalt His Name. No matter what trials or tribulations we are facing, He is still our God! Praise His Name!

"You are my God,

and I will give You thanks;

You are my God,

and I will exalt You."

Psalm 118:28 (NIV)

I wonder if sometimes our prayer requests are not answered because we neglect to give the honour and praise that is due to His Name.