What is thanksgiving? Part 1: Prayer

Hey everyone, so I decided to write about prayer this week because while I realize that I’ve talked about it before I feel like with the election this week, I need to talk about it again partly as a reminder to pray for our government but also for this whole world plus one of the things that thanksgiving is about is prayer. Matthew 6:5 says; “And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” Part of thanksgiving is reaching out to people which is honestly why I’m very thankful to be a part of life change church in Des Moines, Iowa because that’s what they’re about reaching out to people no matter what life stage that person is in. That’s exactly what Christianity is about! Reaching out to people where they’re at! Whether it involves praying for them or with them, giving advice or just being there for that person! Psalms 51:10 says;” Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Part of thanksgiving is being thankful for what we have, our family, friends and just life in general and asking God to give us a pure heart and steadfast spirit can help and not just with being thankful it can help you stay calm even when life is hectic which these past few weeks have been hectic for me with family drama, writing my first book which I hope to have published sometime next year, this blog and just life in general and you know what that’s okay. Life isn’t always meant to be slow it can get pretty hectic at times and something that has helped me throughout life is having a pure heart and steadfast spirit and when I need to slow down by simply watching a movie, reading a book or just talking to a friend along with being patient with myself and those around me all of which has helped me stay calm and focused in the midst of this crazy journey called life.  Something that can help with your prayer life is meditating on God’s word. Joshua 1:8 says;” Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”   Basically, what mediating is thinking deeply about something and as Christians we’re called to meditate on God’s word and follow what it says. 1 Chronicles 16:8-11 says;” Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.” Another way of praising God is singing songs like amazing grace, how great thou art, oceans where feet may fail songs like that which is what prayer is about praising God but also talking to God about what’s going on in your life and other people’s lives because he will always listen to you no matter what. Because he cares about you which is exactly why God deserves our praise which is what these verses are talking about along with seeking his strength because God will give you strength through all the things that life throws at you. That’s what has kept me going these past few years between family drama, moving out of my parent’s house back in 2017 then moving back last year, going through my first breakup and just life in general which hasn’t been easy but life was never meant to be easy just possible. Maybe these past few years or your whole life hasn’t been easy and you’ve gotten to the point that you just want to give up. Well, I’m here to tell you that even though life isn’t easy that’s no reason to just give up if anything it’s a reason to keep on living life to the fullest and to face your fears not run away from them no matter how tempting it is at times. As I close this blog post, I want to challenge you to really listen to what God is saying to you because he really does care about you no matter what you do or what happens in your life. As always, if you need someone to talk to, have any prayer requests or have any questions feel free to comment below, message me on this blogs Facebook page or e-mail me at Homeschoolgradblog@gmail.com. Thanks for reading!