2 Thessalonians 1:1-4
We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing (2 Thessalonians 1:3, NIV).

ne of the ways to enhance your prayer time and increase its duration is to make a habit of having a list of things to pray for. It also helps when you have people that you pray for on a regular basis.

In the same way, Paul presented to us the need to engage in purposeful thanksgiving when we praise God and thank Him for what He has done for us, He is doing and will do in our lives. It is also good to thank Him for others around us.

In 2 Thessalonians 1:3-4, Paul states that the reason they thank

God for this church is because their faith continues to grow and their love was also increasing. Timothy’s report and his experience with the people during his visit affirmed these reasons.

Let us apply this to our lives: Do you have a reason to thank

God today? Can you count His blessings in your life and praise Him for it? Has God done anything for someone at your workplace or a member of your family or church that you can thank Him for?

Look into your life, look at what He has done and thank Him for it. That is purposeful thanksgiving. The more you begin to practice this art, the more joyful you will become and your faith in the Lord will increase. Let us thank God today. Shalom.

Your Turn

• Release your praise and thank God for what He has done for you and your neighbors.

Hymn: Now thank we all our God.

Further Reading: Psalm 104.