Prayer OF Thanks For God’s Provision

Study 5 THE POWER OF PREVAILING PRAYER – Words of Life Ministries

What Every Christian Should Know by Francis Dixon

(Scripture Portion: James 5: 7-20)

Here is a subject concerning which we can turn to almost any portion of the Word of God for material, for the Bible is packed full of promises, encouragements and illustrations that emphasise the power of prevailing prayer. As a point of departure we shall base this study upon James 5:16-18.

It is said that James had knees that were worn hard by his constant habit of kneeling. If this is true, we have the testimony of a man who had proved the power of prayer in his own life, and practised what he preached. Notice that James 5:16 speaks about a particular kind of prayer –- ‘The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

’ Do we know anything about this kind of prayer?

1. THE INFERENCE OF THESE WORDS IS THAT THERE IS A KIND, OR QUALITY, OF PRAYER THAT ACHIEVES LITTLE OR NOTHING.

This kind of prayer is ineffective and useless. God does not hear this prayer –- look up Job 27:8-9; 35:13; Isaiah 1:15-16; 59:2; Micah 3:4; Zechariah 7:11-13; Luke 18:10-14. How solemn this truth is! Consider the following kinds of prayer that achieve little or nothing:

1. (1) Prayer with a wrong motive cannot prevail. See what James 4:3 says. Often we pray selfishly, but only prayer that is offered for the glory of God gains His ear and secures His answer.
2. (2) If sin is regarded, prayer cannot prevail. Psalm 66:18 tells us that if we knowingly harbour sin in our life, God will not hear us. We need to pray the prayer that David prayed –- look up Psalm 139:23-24, and if God reveals sin, thank God we may confess it and have it forgiven –- look up 1 John 1:9.
3. (3) An unforgiving spirit will hinder prayer. Look up Mark 11:25, and see what our Lord had to say about this; then read verse 26. Is this a possible reason why our prayers for the conversion of our loved ones are not being answered?
4. (4) An unwillingness to be reconciled to another hinders prayer. See what Matthew 5:23-24 says. Here is a priority. It is of little use to pray, to worship, to go to meetings or to engage in the service of God and to expect His blessing if we are not willing first to be reconciled to our brother.
5. (5) A wrong human relationship hinders prayer. Study 1 Peter 3:7 carefully. Perhaps our attitude to, or relationship with, the members of our family is not all it should be. According to this verse, that can be a hindrance to our prayers.

These are some of the ways in which our prayers may be hindered, but thank God, our prayers may be heard and answered! –- and this is the main emphasis that the Holy Spirit makes in James 5:16.

2. THERE IS A PRAYER THAT IS ALWAYS EFFECTIVE.

It achieves much. It succeeds, and gains God’s answer.

James tells us this, and if we ask James, ‘How much can prayer achieve?’ his reply is, ‘it is powerful and effective!’ – – but he does go on to say, ‘I will give you an illustration of what prayer can do’ – – and this is in verses 17-18. So, if we want to get an idea of the power of prevailing prayer, we would do well to look at Elijah and ask, ‘What can prayer do?’

1. (1) Through prayer God’s servants are empowered to speak His Word. We read about this in 1 Kings 17:1. Surely it was because Elijah knew what it was to stand before the Lord that he was able to go and stand before the wicked Ahab –- look up 1 Kings 18:17. It was prayer in private that made him powerful in public. When we turn to the New Testament we find in the Book of Acts the very same thing –- compare Acts 4:29, 31 and 32. The mighty power of prayer releases the power of the Holy Spirit, and by the power of the Holy Spirit we are made bold and courageous to speak for the Lord.
2. (2) Through prayer God’s servants gain ample provision for all their needs. In 1 Kings 17, we are given two glorious illustrations of this. First, God provided free accommodation for Elijah by the brook Cherith and fed him day by day by means of ravens (verses 2-6). Then the brook dried up (verse 7), so God provided free accommodation at Zarephath, and His provision was all-sufficient (verses 8-16) –- compare Psalm 34:10.
3. (3) Through prayer God’s servants experience the miracle-working power of God. We are told about this in 1 Kings 17:17-24. Through prayer the dead can be raised, the sick can be healed, the lost can be saved; indeed, there is no limit to the miracles that God can perform when His people pray.
4. (4) Through prayer God’s servants are victorious over the enemies of the Lord. The whole of 1 Kings, chapter 18, is worth a very careful reading. How wonderful –- the false prophets were put to shame, and afterwards put to death, and the Name of the Lord was gloriously vindicated! Prayer today can drive back the powers of darkness and overcome God’s enemies –- the forces of materialism, the flood of bad literature, the desecration of holy things, the spread of false religion etc. –- look up Isaiah 59:19.
5. (5) Through prayer God’s servants are kept safe, secure and steadfast in the time of testing, trouble and failure. Please read the whole of 1 Kings, chapter 19. How tenderly the Lord dealt with His weary and failing servant; and how graciously the Divine Physician restored and recommissioned him! All this came about through prayer.

3. IN CONCLUSION, NOTICE THE CONDITIONS OF PREVAILING PRAYER.

1. (1) The prayer that prevails must be fervent, earnest and passionate. A modern translation of James 5:16 reads: ‘Tremendous power is made available through a good man’s earnest prayer.’ The emphasis is upon the word ‘earnest’.
2. (2) The prayer that prevails is prayer that is given us by the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:26 and Philippians 2:13 emphasise this. True prayer is the bringing of requests to God that have been born within us by the Holy Spirit.
3. (3) The prayer that prevails must be the prayer of a righteous man. All of us by nature are unrighteous –- look up Isaiah 64:6; but through faith in our Lord Jesus Christ we have been made righteous. The prayer that God hears is the prayer of one who is trusting in the Lord Jesus Christ as his righteousness and who is seeking to live righteously day by day.

Источник: //www.wordsoflife.co.uk/bible-studies/study-5-the-power-of-prevailing-prayer/

12 Thanksgiving Prayers for Family, Children & Dinner Times

a printable prayer suitable for personal devotion or for a program or church newsletter:- Here are four great Thanksgiving prayers for before eating:-
O Lord, How full is this world of your unending creativity.

How astounding is creation in all its variety. How breathtaking is new life, growth and transformation. How wonderful is your provision for us your children! This day, we celebrate your great goodness with thankful hearts and joyful lives.Amen.

(a mealtime prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Thanksgiving Prayer For each new morning with its light, For rest and shelter of the night, For health and food, For love and friends, For everything Thy goodness sends.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)

(suitable for a dinner or family time) O Lord, Thank you for all the good gifts you have given us. Thank you for the fine delicate balance of the natural world. Thank you for the amazing variety of fruit seeds and grains. Thank you for the beauty of autumn when the greens turn yellow, gold and crimson. Lord, help us to enjoy this beautiful season, And the wonderful food you have given us.Amen.

www.lords-prayer-words.com

read more grace prayers to say before meal times with your family.

Children and Family Prayers

Three prayers for family & children times together:- Thanksgiving Prayer for Children
(a prayer for young children to say) Lord, thank you for the flowers and thank you for the trees Thank you for my special friends and all the fun they bring Thank you for the food I eat and thank you for my drink But most of all I thank you for the way you love me

(a childrens prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

•read more prayers for children to say here

Thanksgiving Prayer for Children (a prayer for parents) Thank you for our children. Bless them with your love and peace, Protect them with your truth and strength, Engage them with your hope and vision. Thank you for our children.Amen.

(a parents prayer from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Thanksgiving prayer for the family Lord God, I give you all the members of our family. You know them all so well and love them all. I ask that you would cover us with a rainbow of hope. Hope that draws us together to work out our differences. Hope that helps us to celebrate together and care for one another. Hope that rides a banner in our lives and watches over us wherever we go. Hope that overcomes adversity and gathers strength to overcome. Hope that guides us and gives us vision for our future alone and together. Hope filled with love. Hope that fuels faith. Hope that breathes peace. May our family live in you Underneath your promises.Amen.

(a prayer of thanks from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Almighty and gracious Father, we give you thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them. Make us, we beseech thee, faithful stewards of thy great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

source: Book of Common Prayer, 1979 version, Protestant Episcopal Church in the USA.

O Lord, that lends me life, Lend me a heart replete with thankfulness!

William Shakespeare (King Henry VI, Part II. Act I, scene i)

Father in Heaven, Creator of all and source of all goodness and love, please look kindly upon us and receive our heartfelt gratitude in this time of giving thanks. Thank you for all the graces and blessings. You have betowed upon us, spiritual and temporal: our faith and religious heritage. Our food and shelter, our health, the loves we have for one another, our family and friends. Dear Father, in Your infinite generosity, please grant us continued graces and blessing throughout the coming year. This we ask in the Name of Jesus, Your Son and our Brother. Amen.

(Traditional Catholic Prayer)

A contemporary version of this famous hymn:-

Come, ye thankful people, come, raise the song of harvest home; all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin. God our Maker doth provide for our wants to be supplied; come to God's own temple, come, raise the song of harvest home. All the world is God's own field, fruit as praise to God we yield; wheat and tares together sown are to joy or sorrow grown; first the blade and then the ear, then the full corn shall appear; Lord of harvest, grant that we wholesome grain and pure may be. For the Lord our God shall come, and shall take the harvest home; from the field shall in that day all offenses purge away, giving angels charge at last in the fire the tares to cast; but the fruitful ears to store in the garner evermore. Even so, Lord, quickly come, bring thy final harvest home; gather thou thy people in, free from sorrow, free from sin, there, forever purified, in thy presence to abide; come, with all thine angels, come, raise the glorious harvest home.

Lyrics by Henry Alford (1810-1871)
Music by George J. Elvey (1816-1893)

A Simple Prayer of Thanks

Thank you. I dwell upon the goodness in my life. Thank you. I cherish in my heart Your gift to me. Thank you. I notice the blessings of life, breath, loving and sharing. I am so very grateful. Thank you, Lord.

(a simple prayer of thanks from www.lords-prayer-words.com)

Источник: //www.lords-prayer-words.com/prayers_before/thanksgiving_prayer_to_god.html

Scripture Prayer for Success and Provision

by Cindy Vander Haar

Scripture Prayer

Thank you for visiting Scripture Prayer for Success and Provision.  To fully understand the principles of praying scripturally, please read the teaching “Why Pray Scripture?” .

Hearing God: As it is rare to hear an audible voice from God, one of the ways God will speak to us is through His written Word and a small still voice inside us.

  Before reviewing the scripture references below that address what the Bible says about success and provision ask the Holy Spirit of revelation to join you.

  When certain verses capture your attention more than others, meditate and  incorporate those into your personal daily prayer life.

Heavenly Father, we ask You to give complete knowledge of Your Will to this reader, and to give him/her Your spiritual wisdom and understanding as they seek You with all their hearts and lean not on their own understanding.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

Success and Provision Scripture References

(All scripture is quoted from the King James Version unless otherwise noted.)

Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in every way and (that your body) may keep well, even as (I know) your soul keeps well and prospers. In fact, I greatly rejoiced when (some of) the brethren from time to time arrived and spoke (so highly) of the sincerity and fidelity of your life, as indeed you do live in the Truth (the whole Gospel presents). 3 John 2 (AMP)

Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38

Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of those who do wrong; for the grass they will soon wither, green plants they will soon die away. Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.

 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine the dawn, the justice of your cause the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land. A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

Psalm 37:1-11 (NIV)

If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him. James 1:5 (AMP)

No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness is of me, saith the LORD. Isaiah 54:17

And he shall be a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

Delight thyself also in the LORD: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Psalm 37:4

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant. Psalm 35:27

Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:  That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. Galatians 3:13

Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.

 It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.

Proverbs 3:5-10

The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands. Psalm 138:8

But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33

But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18

Commit thy works unto the LORD, and thy thoughts shall be established. Proverbs 16:3

The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it. Proverbs 10:22

And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you. And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed. Joel 2:25-26

Riches and honour are with me; yea, durable riches and righteousness. My fruit is better than gold, yea, than fine gold; and my revenue than choice silver. I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment: That I may cause those that love me to inherit substance; and I will fill their treasures. Proverbs 8:17-21

He that handleth a matter wisely shall find good: and whoso trusteth in the LORD, happy is he. Proverbs 16:20 

He that getteth wisdom loveth his own soul: he that keepeth understanding shall find good. Proverbs 19:8 

The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. Proverbs 11:25 

Honour the Lord with thy substance, and with the  firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and they presses shall burst out with new wine. Proverbs 3:9-10  

Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me. But you ask, “How do we rob you?” In tithes and offerings. You are under a curse—the whole nation of you- because you are robbing me. Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.

 Then all the nations will call you blessed, for yours will be a delightful land, says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:8-11 (NIV)  

He who hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor. Proverbs 22:9  

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. Hebrew 10:35 

It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep. Psalms 127:2  

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Matthew 6:33   

Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7    

He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him. Daniel 2:22  

Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God… Deuteromony 28:1 

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.  However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven. Luke 10:19 (NIV) 

…Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Philippians 2:13  (NIV) 

Dear Lord,

I come before You in the name of Your son, Jesus Christ, and I praise you and thank you that You are Jehovah Jireh, my God and provider. I thank you for the many ways You have provided for me and my family and that it is Your desire that we would prosper and be in good health even as our souls prosper.

 Help me to prosper my soul in Your Word and to listen to Your instruction and acquire wisdom. Thank you that Your blessings bring wealth and You add no sorrow to it as You fill our treasuries for Your glory. Your gifts are better than the purest gold, Your wages better than sterling silver.

  I ask for wisdom and Godly counsel so that I can work wisely and prosper and be satisfied.

Lord, You have said that You will show me a way my problems. I ask for that now. Forgive me where I have been fearful, greedy, or foolish in my work and my finances.

Help me to have integrity and wisdom and to persevere in righteousness. Forgive me for idolatry to the things of this world and help me to love You more. And I ask that You mercifully restore my losses.

 I choose to walk in righteousness, in paths of justice, and to love and honor You, Oh Lord.

 Lord, I will seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. I will praise You for the wonderful things You do. I will not throw away my confidence in You, Lord. My hope is in You and I will persevere and receive Your promises in my life.

 And I will honor and serve You all the days of my life.

I chose to be a cheerful giver and to be generous for that is Your heart, and You have said that a generous man will prosper.

I will give ten percent of my income to You, Lord, and I will watch the windows of Heaven open and poor out a blessing just as You have said.

 Give me Your heart for the poor that I would joyfully give offerings and gifts to those in need. And thank you that as I give, it will be given unto me.

Thank you that I am a tree that’s planted by the rivers of water and whatever I do will prosper by Your grace because I belong to You, and You take pleasure in the prosperity of Your servants. You give me the ability to produce wealth for Your kingdom without shame or sorrow. If You are for me, who can be against me? You are awesome and I am humbled by Your love and grace.

I am thankful that Your love for me endures forever and Your plans for me are always for good and not for calamity. Thank you for Your great and precious promises that I can inherit through faith and patience.

 I am so grateful that You are at work within me to cause me to desire and to do Your will.

I thank you, Jesus, that on the cross You set me free from the curses of the law (Deuteronomy 28) of sickness, poverty, and eternal death. In Your name, I believe these things are broken off my life. Show me how to walk the habits of them.

 And I receive the blessings of health, prosperity and eternal life that are mine through Your shed blood on the cross. I thank you, Lord, that You will reveal the things that are unseen and You will show me the way to prosperity and success as I honor You. I love you, Lord.

 Your grace is truly amazing and all the glory is Yours.

 In Jesus’ mighty name,  Amen

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Источник: //bibleresources.org/scripture-prayer-success-provision/

Why We Pray for Our Meals

Praying before we eat a meal is a beautiful thing — or should be a beautiful thing. It is gloriously appropriate to give thanks and praise to God from whom all blessings flow. And to have food to eat is a merciful blessing.

Those of us who live in prosperous regions of the globe and have never known food scarcity perhaps don’t feel much awe in it. That is a sad thing: a lack of awe. It’s the dark side of abundance. We sinners tend to grow blind to glory when there’s a lot of it. God is kind not to give us heaven yet. We would not appreciate more than a fraction of it.

Assuming there will always be way more food available than we need is a luxury very few have experienced in world history. Complaining about the food we have is a luxury hundreds of millions don’t experience now. If we lack gratitude, repentance is the only appropriate response.

Every Meal Is a Miracle

It should shock us that we don’t bow down in worship every time we come to a table full of food. God’s design in our experience of eating is simply marvelous.

Receiving strength by eating food is itself an astonishing concept.

But God made eating more than pragmatic; through smell, taste, and texture he made it enjoyable for us! And he made it even more enjoyable when we share the experience with others — wherever two or more are gathered, there (typically) food is in their midst. He also made the preparation of food to be an art as well as an act of servant-hearted love. Strength. Joy. Community. Service.

And time would fail me to talk of all the vocations and human ingenuity involved in growing, nurturing, packaging, distributing, selling, and buying food.

Every meal is a miracle.

Receive This Blessing with Thanksgiving

And so it is only right that we pray before meals. It should be a beautiful thing. We should not pray flippantly or mindless habit. We certainly shouldn’t sound bored. Miracles are not boring. To have a meal to eat so that we can continue to live for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31) is a holy moment — if it is received in faith:

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer (1 Timothy 4:4–5).

We should make sure to teach our children why we pray before meals. Unexplained traditions can result in weird ideas. The whole point to a mealtime prayer is to receive the blessing of God’s provision with thanksgiving.

Post-meal gratitude is equally and gloriously appropriate.

Piper Mealtime Prayers

If we are in the habit of saying the same well-worn phrases for mealtime prayers, if others (or you) tune out during the prayer, it’s probably time for a change.

One thing to try is forcing yourself to find a fresh way to thank God for every time you sit down for a meal. Simply identify one or two unusual things to thank to God for. Think outside the box. It took thousands of combined factors to make the meal possible. It’s not that hard to identify a couple.

If you prefer that everyone at the table say a prayer of thanks together, I suggest trying these mealtime prayers that John Piper created for his family years ago. There are shorter and longer prayers.

Morning Meal

Lord Jesus, thank you for this day,And for the night of rest,And for this food, and for the way

That we are always blessed.

Midday Meal

Lord Jesus, thank you for these giftsAnd what each one displays;For your own steady love which lifts

Our hearts in midday praise.

Evening Meal

Lord Jesus, come now to our meal,And bless to us this food;Where faith is weak, dear Lord, reveal

That all you give is good.

Don’t Forget to Thank God for the Dishes!

And we should not forget that dirty dishes are an evidence of God’s grace. They represent the fact that we have food to eat, tools to prepare and eat it with, and a place to live. They are mercies. So washing dishes is not a moment for grumbling (Philippians 2:14), but a moment for gratitude. Using John Piper’s short poem form, allow me to suggest a cleanup prayer:

Prayer for Dirty Dishes

Lord Jesus, thank you for the graceThese dishes represent:Sufficient food and living space;

Kind mercies you have sent.

Источник: //www.desiringgod.org/articles/why-we-pray-for-our-meals