Prayer Of Thanks For Christ’s Victory

Three Prayers of Thanksgiving

the biblical doctrine of the “Fatherhood” of God naturally arises the concept of prayer. What child does not need, and wish, to communicate with his father? Thus, in the “model prayer,” the Lord taught his disciples to pray: “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9).

One manifestation of prayer that should flow abundantly from the heart of the Christian is the expression of gratitude. Jesus took note of the opposite disposition when he asked the haunting question: “Where are the nine?” (Luke 17:17).

In this brief article we propose to discuss three “tenses” of thanksgiving. We pray because of exceeding gratitude with reference to things that have gone by already, i.e., matters that now are history.

Quite obviously we wise speak to God relative to circumstances pertaining to the present. Finally, our prayers of gratitude should focus toward the future as well.

We are not without biblical precedent in these past, present, and future time modes in which our appreciation is framed.

Gratitude for the Past

In his epistle to the saints and faithful brethren in the city of Colossae, Paul encouraged his kinsmen in the Lord to join him in:

giving thanks unto the Father, who made us adequate to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light; who delivered us the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love; in whom we have our redemption, the forgiveness of our sins (Colossians 1:12-14).

This prayer format reflects backwards upon the redemptive history implemented by the holy Godhead in the interest of fallen humanity. Observe the following points.

Our inheritance

We are thankful that we have been made “adequate,” “sufficient,” or “qualified” for a grand “inheritance.” The inheritance finds its ultimate fruition in heaven (1 Peter 1:4). The sufficiency results from the vicarious death of God’s Son who, as a sinless sacrifice, offered himself on behalf of sinful humanity (see Romans 3:24-26).

Our spiritual family

Our thanksgiving embraces the fact that we share a relationship with all the “saints” (separated ones) who have left the power of darkness and have been translated into the kingdom of “light”—an expression for our new “life” in Christ (2 Corinthians 4:6; Ephesians 5:8; 1 Peter 2:9). Elsewhere, that entrance into the “kingdom” is represented by the “birth” metaphor (John 3:3-5), which entails obedience to Christ’s gospel message (1 Peter 1:22-23).

Our redemption

We are grateful that our state is one of “redemption” (release from indebtedness due to adequate payment) that involves the “forgiveness of our sins.” How blessed we are that God provided the “Son of his love” for those who deserved it not! Such is the essence of “grace.”

Are we not thankful as well for the Hand of Providence that, in such marvelously inexplicable ways, helped us discover gospel truth? Do not our hearts throb with thanksgiving for those benevolent souls who have encouraged us in difficult times? One could pray for months and not totally survey the blessings of the past for which he is so deeply grateful.

Thanksgiving for Present Circumstances

The Christian’s daily life is an offering of thanksgiving to the Creator. Paul wrote: “And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” (Colossians 3:17). Every day is an expression of praise to the Lord—in the thoughts of our hearts, the words of our lips, and the actions of our busy days.

Similarly, in the symbolism of sacrificial service, the apostle admonishes:

I beseech you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. And be not fashioned according to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, and ye may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).

Our thanksgiving may be daily for those who love us, inspire us, and mean so much to us on our heavenward journey. Paul constantly engaged in prayers of thanksgiving for such ones in his life (cf.

Romans 1:8; 1 Corinthians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:3; Philemon 4).

Our thanksgiving certainly must involve appreciation to the Lord, who is with us always (“all the days”—ASVfn), even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20).

Gratitude for the Future Victory

The final book of the New Testament is a document dealing with the past, present, and future.

It was dispatched initially to seven churches of Asia (as representatives of all of Christ’s congregations) by means of John the apostle, who had been exiled to the island of Patmos.

It was from the God of “three tenses”—him who is, was, and is to come (Revelation 1:4,8).

The inspired apostle was commissioned to “write,” therefore, about the things which he “saw, and the things which are, and the things which shall come to pass hereafter” (1:19).

Breathtaking scenes adorn the symbolic terrain of this mysterious but thrilling book. In chapter eleven there is a depiction of twenty-four elders (perhaps an order of angels, or a representation of the redeemed), who sit before God on thrones appointed for them. They are described as falling upon their faces and worshiping God. From them issues this prayer of thanksgiving.

We give you thanks, O Lord God, the Almighty, who are and who was; because you have taken your great power, and did reign.

And the nations were angry, and your wrath came, and the time of the dead to be judged, and the time to give their reward to your servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear your name, the small and the great; and to destroy them that destroy the earth (Revelation 11:17-18).

Some wonderfully striking literary gems are contained within this prayer of gratitude.

Lord God Almighty

God is described as “Lord” (one possessing authority), “God” (characterized by the nature of deity), and “Almighty” (limitless in power).

He is represented as him who “is” and who “was” [the “is to come” phrase (KJV) is missing from the better texts].

The reversal of tenses (with the present preceding the past) seems significant, emphasizing that the present takes precedence in the imagery. The future is depicted as the present already.

Prophetic certainty of victory

The prayer speaks to the coming “time of consummation” (Morris 1980, 153), but the verbal forms (e.g., “your wrath came”) suggest that the events have transpired already.

This is because of their prophetic certainty. God “has taken great power,” the perfect tense form suggests, perhaps, the permanence of the seizure (Robertson 1933, 385).

The Lord has “begun his reign” (the aorist tense is viewed as “inceptive”), i.e., the reign has started (Mounce 1977, 236).

Victory over rebellion

The nations have raged in their angry rebellion against God (cf. Psalm 2:1), but divine anger “trumps” theirs. The “wrath” of God is not an impulsive response, in the sense that humans get “angry.

” Rather, it is a way of figuratively describing the full measure of holy justice to be inflicted upon those who mock the Lord and reject his authority. The last day of earth’s history is portrayed; it is time for the dead to be judged (Revelation 20:11ff).

One scholar observes: “[T]here is nothing here to suggest a thousand years’ earthly reign of Christ on a literal throne in the program” (Jones 1971, 57).

Thanksgiving to God

The prayer expresses thanksgiving to God for the fact that the faithful (the prophets, the saints, all who fear the Lord—great and small) will receive the reward promised to them. Additionally, there will be the destruction of the wicked (i.e., everlasting separation from the Lord—cf.

Matthew 7:23; 25:41; 2 Thessalonians 1:9). These are they who are in the process of “destroying” (corrupting) the earth—i.e., disregarding the design for which it was created, namely serving God.

The imprecatory tone of the gratitude is not one of personal vengeance, but is an offering of appreciation for the righteous eradication of evil.

We too may lift up our voices in devout thanksgiving for the glorious victory yet to be realized, and for the thrilling reward that is prepared for those who have loved Christ’s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).

Let us, therefore, frame our prayers in all tenses—past, present, and future, and be grateful for the gift of prayer as sons and daughters of God.

Источник: //www.christiancourier.com/articles/1369-three-prayers-of-thanksgiving

10 Prayers of Thanksgiving and Praise

A s we reflect on this Thanksgiving Day 2014 in the United States I wanted to revisit something I wrote a couple years ago. Thanksgiving and praise is good anytime of the year, but especially today offer your prayers to the Lord for He is great and He is faithful.

I love to pray to the Lord and most often I am offering prayers for assistance in something – health, provision, or even as an intercessory prayer for another one’s needs.

Do you find that to be true with yourself? I know that our Heavenly Father loves to hear from us, but not only in the times of trial or testing; He loves to hear our praise and thanksgiving as well.

Here are some prayers that I have collected, most of them right from God’s own word.

To God the Creator

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! who hast set thy glory above the heavens. the mouth of babes and sucklings hast thou ordained strength because of thine enemies, that thou mightest still the enemy and the avenger.

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.

Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet: All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; The fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.

O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth! (Psalm 8)

To God who Forgives all Transgressions

Examine me, O Lord, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. For thy lovingkindness is before mine eyes: and I have walked in thy truth.  I have not sat with vain persons, neither will I go in with dissemblers.

  I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked. I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O Lord: That I may publish with the voice of thanksgiving, and tell of all thy wondrous works.

Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy house, and the place where thine honour dwelleth. (Psalms 26:2-8)

To God who Deserves all Glory and Praise

He loves to hear our praise and thanksgiving

O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms.

  For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. In his hand are the deep places of the earth: the strength of the hills is his also. The sea is his, and he made it: and his hands formed the dry land.

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. (Psalms 95:1-6)

To God — the Lord of All

O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds. I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people. (Psalms 116:16-18)

A Mother’s Prayer of Thanksgiving & Praise:

… My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the Lord: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock our God.

Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and they that stumbled are girded with strength.

They that were full have hired out themselves for bread; and they that were hungry ceased: so that the barren hath born seven; and she that hath many children is waxed feeble. The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: he bringeth down to the grave, and bringeth up. The Lord maketh poor, and maketh rich: he bringeth low, and lifteth up.

He raiseth up the poor the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and he hath set the world upon them. He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; heaven shall he thunder upon them: the Lord shall judge the ends of the earth; and he shall give strength unto his king, and exalt the horn of his anointed. (Hannah’s prayer from 1 Samuel 2:1-10)

A King’s Prayer of Praise & Adoration:

… Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever.

  Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all.

  Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. (King David’s prayer from 1 Chronicles 29:10-13)

A Thanksgiving Prayer for the Queen:

God of time and eternity,Whose son reigns as servant, not master;We give you thanks and praiseThat you have blessed this nation,The realms and territories with Elizabeth,

Our beloved and glorious Queen.

In this year of Jubilee,Grant her your gifts of love and joy and peaceAs she continues in faithful obedience to you,Her Lord and God,And in devoted service to her land and people,And those of the Commonwealth.Now and all the days;Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen

(The Diamond Jubilee Prayer, written at the Queen’s direction by the chapter of St Paul’s Cathedral) [1]

A President’s Prayer of Thanksgiving & Praise:

Most gracious Lord God, from whom proceedeth every good and perfect gift, I offer to Thy Divine Majesty my unfeigned praise and thanksgiving, for all Thy mercies toward me. Thou made me at first and hast ever since sustained the work of Thine own hand.

Thou gave Thy Son to die for me, and hast given me assurance of salvation upon my repentance and sincerely endeavoring to conform my life to His holy precepts and example.

Thou art pleased to lengthen out to me the time of repentance and to move me to it by Thy Spirit and by Thy Word, and by Thy mercies and by Thy judgments. Amen. (George Washington)

Prayer of Thanksgiving from a Poet and Lyricist:

O Thou whose bounty fills my cup,With every blessing meet!I give Thee thanks for every drop—

The bitter and the sweet.

I praise Thee for the desert road,And for the riverside;For all Thy goodness hath bestowed,

And all Thy grace denied.

I thank Thee for both smile and frown,And for the gain and loss;I praise Thee for the future crown

And for the present cross.

I thank Thee for both wings of loveWhich stirred my worldly nest;And for the stormy clouds which drove

Me, trembling, to Thy breast.

I bless Thee for the glad increase,And for the waning joy;And for this strange, this settled peace

Which nothing can destroy. (Jane Crewdson, 1860)

Thanksgiving & Praise in a Song:

Now thank we all our God, with heart and hands and voices,Who wondrous things has done, in Whom this world rejoices;Who from our mothers’ arms has blessed us on our way

With countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God through all our life be near us,With ever joyful hearts and blessèd peace to cheer us;And keep us in His grace, and guide us when perplexed;

And free us from all ills, in this world and the next!

All praise and thanks to God the Father now be given;The Son and Him Who reigns with Them in highest Heaven;The one eternal God, whom earth and Heaven adore;

For thus it was, is now, and shall be evermore. (Martin Rinkart & Catherine Winkworth)

God desires our praise and thanksgiving. Isn’t it the least we could for all He has done for us?

Resources – The Holy Bible, King James Version. [1] www. dailymail.co.uk.  video “O Praise Him” by David Crowder Band

[This post was originally published at WCWTK on July 7, 2012]

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Источник: //www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/10-prayers-of-thanksgiving-and-praise/

Easter Prayers: Celebrate Resurrection Day Victory

Our Savior has risen! This Easter day, the resurrection of Jesus reminds us that God makes all things new. He has given us the same resurrection power to live free from sin and death and to have a life fully ALIVE! 

Easter is the celebration and remembrance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day after his crucifixion. You can read more about the meaning, origin and history of the holiday on our article What is Easter?

We hope that the below Easter prayers will bring you renewed hope and faith this Resurrection Day.

Resurrection Prayer

Dear God,
Thank you that you make all things new. Thank you for the victory and power in your Name. Thank you that you hold the keys over death, that by your might, Jesus was raised from the grave, paving the way for us to have new life with you. Thank you that you had plan, that you made a way.

We confess our need for you…fresh…new…again. We ask that you renew our hearts, minds, and lives, for the days ahead. We pray for your refreshing over us.

Keep your words of truth planted firm within us, help us to keep focused on what is pure and right, give us the power to be obedient to your word.

And when the enemy reminds us where we have been, hissing his lies and attacks our way, we trust that your voice speaks louder and stronger, reminding us we are safe with you and that your purposes and plans will not fail.

We ask that you will be our defense and rear guard, keeping our way clear, removing the obstacles, and covering the pitfalls. Lord, lead us on your level ground.

Shine your light in us, through us, over us. May we make a difference in this world, for your glory and purposes. Set you way before us. May all your plans succeed. We may reflect your peace and hope to a world that so desperately needs your presence and healing.

Thanks be to you God, for your indescribable gift! To you be glory and honor, on this Resurrection Day, and forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Debbie McDaniel

Easter Sunday Prayer

Lord God, You loved this world so much, That you gave your one and only Son, That we might be called your children too. Lord, help us to live in the gladness and grace Of Easter Sunday, everyday.

Let us have hearts of thankfulness For your sacrifice. Let us have eyes that look upon Your grace and rejoice in our salvation. Help us to walk in that mighty grace And tell your good news to the world.

All for your glory do we pray, Lord, Amen.

– Rachel Marie Stone

Matthew 28 Easter Prayer

• “Do not be afraid,” – God, I hand over to You those things that make me so afraid. Resurrect the parts of my faith squelched by fear.
• “I know that you are looking for Jesus,” – God, when my soul is searching, help me know the answer to every longing can be found in You.

• “He has risen,” – God, the fact that Jesus is risen should lift my head, my heart and my attitude. Help me to live today as if I really believe this with every part of my life.
• “just as he said,” – Jesus, You keep Your promises. Help me live as though I believe that with every part of me.

  Help me trust You more, obey You more and resemble You more.

• “Come and see,” – Jesus, You had the angels invite the women in to see for themselves that You had risen. You invite me into these personal revelations every day. Forgive me for sometimes rushing about and forgetting to come and see for myself …

  You, Your Word, Your insights.

• “Then go quickly and tell his disciples,” – Jesus, I don't want to be a secret keeper with my faith. I want to be a bold and gracious truth proclaimer. For You. With You. Because of You. Me, the unwanted girl whom You loved, redeemed and wanted.

In Jesus' Name, Amen.
– Lysa TerKeurst

Good Friday Prayer

Lord God, Jesus cried out to you on the cross, “Why have you forsaken me?” You seemed so far from his cry And from his distress. Those who stood at the foot of the cross Wondered where you were, As they saw Jesus mocked and shamed and killed.

Where were you then?

Lord God, We, too, ask where you are, When there is trouble and suffering and death, And we cry out to you for help. Be near to us, and save us

So that we may praise you for your deliverance.

Lord God, We wait, on Friday, for the resurrection of Sunday And sometimes our lives seem a succession of Fridays And we cannot see what is “Good.” Teach us to call your name As Jesus did. Make us to trust in you little children. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Rachel Marie Stone

Father, Thank You for the miracle of life – abundant life here, and eternal life with You in Heaven. Help me celebrate that life every day as I seek You and follow Your plan for my life. Today, I say with the Apostle Paul, “Where, O death is your victory? Where, O death is your sting?” In Jesus’ name, Amen.

– Mary Southerland

Lord Jesus Christ, I rejoice and rejoice continually in Your glorious and triumphant victory over death. For Your victory is my victory. Help me to live by it, in it, and for it. I am grateful to my depths – grateful forever. Amen.
– Selwyn Hughes

Lord, death could not hold You. And because of You, the resurrection, we, too, can live. Thank You that the grave is only a journey into the presence of God. You have removed the sting of death and empowered this thing called life. Now I will live in Your presence forever. Amen.
– Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Dear Lord, may I realize afresh today what Your death and resurrection mean for me. Forgiveness … Freedom … and the ability to walk with You through this fallen world into eternity. May I always find my satisfaction in You and Your willingness to offer Yourself to me. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
– Rachel Olsen

Prayer for Lent

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for the gift of this season. Thank you for knowing our hearts and our need for rhythms in our lives, and for drawing us into a deeper communion with you throughout the coming 40 days.

Lord, it can be disheartening to read on Ash Wednesday that all come from dust, and to dust all return (Ecclesiastes 3:20), yet we know that there is more to our stories.

We know that you created man and woman from the dust at the very beginning of time (Genesis 2:7) and that you breathed life into them to transform them into living creatures.

We know that you are in the business of resurrection– your very Son went to the cross to show us that no death is final and that ultimate transformation comes through your gift of salvation. Though we were made from dust, and our bodies will return to dust again, we can live in eternal glory with you through the blood of your Son.

May we remember the gift of salvation in this season.

May these weeks leading up to the tragedy of Good Friday and the glory of Resurrection Sunday remind us of who you are, how you love us, and who you have created us to be as your followers… Read more of our Prayer for Lent

Share your own easter prayer words in the comments below and be encouraged by our large praying community!

When is Easter? 

The early Christians began remembering the Resurrection every Sunday following its occurrence. In A.D. 325, the Council of Nicaea set aside a special day just to celebrate the Resurrection.

The problem with an official day was deciding whether the Resurrection should be celebrated on a weekday or always on a Sunday.

Learn more about the reason behind Easter being celebrated on a Sunday and when easter is this year at our article When is Easter?

This article is part of our larger Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.

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Prayer for Forgiveness
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Thanksgiving Prayer
Holy Week Prayers for Each Day
Easter Prayers
 

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Источник: //www.crosswalk.com/faith/prayer/easter-prayers-celebrate-resurrection-day-victory.html