Day 34: Give Thanks
40 Days of Prayer & Fasting
Prayer Focus: A Heart of Gratitude
“Give thanks in all circumstances…”
1 Thessalonians 5:18 ESV
We have entered the final week of our 40 Days of Prayer & Fasting.
For more than a month, we have prayed, listened, surrendered, fasted, trusted, followed, served, and sought the Lord together.
Before we spend these final days looking ahead, today we stop and do something simple:
We give thanks.
Remember What God Has Done
Prayer can easily become focused on what we still need God to do.
The unanswered prayer.
The unresolved situation.
The thing we're still believing for.
But thanksgiving causes us to remember what God has already done.
Psalm 103 says:
“Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits…”
Psalm 103:2 ESV
Sometimes we need to intentionally remember.
God has provided.
God has protected.
God has forgiven.
God has sustained us.
God has answered prayers.
God has been faithful even in seasons when we didn't understand what He was doing.
Don't become so focused on what you're waiting for that you forget what God has already done.
Give Thanks in Everything
Paul doesn't tell us to give thanks for every circumstance.
He tells us to give thanks in every circumstance.
There is a difference.
We don't call everything good.
We recognize that God remains good in everything.
Our circumstances may change.
Our emotions may change.
Our plans may change.
But God's character does not.
That means there is always a reason to worship.
Today's Prayer Focus
Thank Him for Salvation
Remember what Jesus has done for you.
Thank Him for His Faithfulness
Think about specific ways God has carried you.
Thank Him for Provision
Recognize the things you often take for granted.
Thank Him Before the Answer
Give thanks even for the things you're still trusting Him with.
Today's Prayer
Father, today I simply want to say thank You.
Thank You for saving me.
Thank You for forgiving me.
Thank You for providing for me, carrying me, correcting me, strengthening me, and never leaving me.
Forgive me for the times I have focused so much on what I still need that I have forgotten everything You have already done.
Today I choose gratitude.
Whether I understand everything happening around me or not, I know this:
You have been faithful.
And I give You thanks.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Additional Scriptures
Psalm 103:1–5
Philippians 4:4–7
Colossians 3:15–17
Psalm 100:1–5
Today's Challenge
Before asking God for anything today, write down five things you are thankful for.
Be specific.
Then spend a few minutes simply thanking Him.
No requests.
No needs.
No asking what's next.
Just gratitude.
Day 33: Father, I trust You with tomorrow.
Day 34: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness.
