When we pray when times are tough, we are often consumed by the agony of our circumstances. We become so eager to present our petition to the Lord that we often neglect an essential ingredient in our prayers. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16 -18, we are reminded of this ingredient:
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Likewise, Psalm 34 opens with these verses:
“I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice.”
We should endeavor to begin all our prayers with a moment of praise to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, just as He taught us in the Lord’s prayer that begins with, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” When we begin our prayers with thanks and praise to God it reminds us to approach Him in the right mindset. Rather than looking to Him as a magic genie who can fix all our problems, we humbly remember His awesome greatness and show Him the proper respect that He is due.
Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us open our prayers and petitions to the Lord with praise and a grateful heart, for we serve a mighty, powerful, and loving God who can do all things.
