Prayer and Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:17 Pray without ceasing. Prayer needs to be an important part of our lives every day! Why is prayer so important? It is enough that we are commanded to do it. John 14:15, Matthew 7:21

Thanksgiving is an essential part of prayer. 1 Timothy 2:1, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 3:17 When we begin to give thanks for all of our blessings, we realize the extent to which God has blessed us - We count our blessings.

Life Acts 17:24 – 25 God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. Genesis 1:26-28 Hebrews 1:3 who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself [a] purged our [b] sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,ab

Freedom All the freedoms we enjoy Move about Have the kind of job we want Associate with who we want Enjoy the fruits of our labors Worship as our conscience dictates 1 Timothy 2:2 - for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.

Physical blessings Matthew 6: Timothy 6:8 And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. Phil. 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: But we have so much more!

Multiple tv’s, DVD players, etc. Cell phones Cars – may be old, but a car nonetheless Air conditioned homes Several suits of clothes All the food they need and want most of the time (obesity is a national problem for the “poor”) Money to spend on entertainment Leisure time

Spiritual blessings Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, John 3:16, Romans 5:6-8, 8:38-39 Hebrews 2:14-15 We have purpose – Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. When we are grateful as we should be, we will have the attitude a Christian should have: Content - 1 Timothy 6:6 Now godliness with contentment is great gain Full of joy – 1 Thessalonians 5:16, 1 Peter 1:3-9

When people see this attitude in us, they’re going to want to be what we are. Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. We will be keeping God’s commandments and will be acceptable to him Acts 10:34-35 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: "In truth I perceive that God shows no partiality. 35 But in every nation whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.

Matthew 16:26 For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul? Believe – John 8:24 Confess – Matthew 10:32-33 Repent – Luke 13:3 Be Baptized – Mark 16:16 Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10