Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading Thursday January 5, 2022

Theme: THANKSGIVING

Text: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour…” – 1 Timothy 2:1-4.

Comment: In his letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, St. Paul advised that Christians should make supplications which is “a humble and sincere appeal to somebody who has the power to grant a request”, prayers, a spoken or unspoken address or request to God, and intercessions “the action of pleading on behalf of somebody”. The prayer is for God to exercise His restraining power so that the devil will not use those in authority to disturb us from living our lives as Christians. Here again St. Paul stressed the importance of giving of thanksgiving as part of prayer.

 

We should give thanks always to God for His goodness. “The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down. The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.” – Psalm 145: 14-16.

 

Prayer without thanksgiving is incomplete. St. Paul says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6, 7. “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17.

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