“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God.” Philippians 4:6
“…pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:17-18
“…always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father…” Ephesians 5:20
When do you typically pray? One situation in which almost everyone prays, whether they’re believers or not, is when tragedy strikes a loved one. Sometimes this creates an ironic situation. Someone who doesn’t have an inkling of a relationship with God and has never shown any interest in having a relationship with Him will instantly call upon Him when a family member encounters a life and death situation. The person still doesn’t want a relationship with God, but he views God as an ER doctor who needs to bring forth a miracle.
That situation reminds us of the old soldier’s quote: “There are no atheists in a foxhole.” The same principle applies. Soldiers in the middle of a battle in which they’re face-to-face with death will call out to God for survival, regardless whether or not they’ve ever shown any desire to have a relationship with Him.
Ritualistic prayer is the second situation in which we engage in prayer. For example, we pray a blessing before we eat. Some denominations recite the Lord’s prayer during every worship service.
Of course, all of us, believers or not, should feel invited to pray in the midst of any situation that comes into our lives, tragedy or ritual. It’s excellent to believe we can appeal to an omnipotent God at any time.
However, an important point Scripture makes continually is that we are called to always pray with thanksgiving whenever we pray.
Suppose mine and April’s lives were turned upside down because a potentially terminal disease attacked one of us. April and I would most assuredly begin praying for a miracle of healing. We also would pray for understanding and peace in the middle of the situation.
In addition, according to Scripture, we are also commanded to pray with thanksgiving That causes our eyebrows to arch hesitantly. Thanksgiving? In the midst of this tragedy? How does that work? Why would we do that?
The Jews sing Dayenu during their Passover celebration. In this song, one phrase is repeated: It would have been enough. Following is an example of what the Jews are proclaiming: If God had only taken them out of Egypt, and not led them to the promised land of Canaan, that would have been enough.
That belief parallels us believers in this way: If God had only sent His Son in order that we would have salvation lasting for all eternity and not blessed us in our earthly lives, it would have been enough.
So suppose a life-threatening situation strikes April and me. Since we both are believers, we should be able to pray in this way: “Father, if all you did for us was to bring salvation into our lives so that we would enjoy eternity in Your paradise, and You did not help us in this life-threatening situation, it would be enough.”
That’s why we believers are called to always pray with thanksgiving. We’ve already been given the most amazing gift of all, living eternally with Him. Someday, it is inevitable that April and I will face that moment when one of us is called home to live with Him. At that time, we will join together and pray with thanksgiving.
We will also pray for a miracle because we belong to a God who provides miracles according to His plan and will. But if a miracle does not happen, we will remain steadfast in praying with thanksgiving. With His gift of salvation, He has certainly given April and me enough. We both know we will someday be re-united in a glorious heaven. That is enough.