Have you ever begun your prayer time and you couldn't think of a thing to pray about? Sometimes, it happens. You might be tired or fatigued. Maybe you're puzzled by problems at home or work. Occasionally we sit down to pray and our minds resemble an Arizona desert - dry, barren, lifeless.
The apostle Paul has a solution. Philippians 1:3 - "I thank my God every time I remember you.:
The next time you're stuck at "Dear Lord," think of all the people in your life and give thanks for them. Paul thanks God for the people at Philippi. He gives thanks for their "partnership in the Gospel." The Philippians gratefully received the good news of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This good news filled their hearts with great, great joy. Not only did they hear God's Word but they also put it into practice. The Holy Spirit, working through the Word of God, enabled the Philippians to stand firm in times of persecution while motivating them to help and encourage one another with their time and riches. Seeing these people growing in Christian faith was a help to Paul, especially since he wrote Philippians under house arrest in Rome.
Not only does Paul see the church growing in true faith, he has also been on the receiving end of their generosity. When they learned of Paul's detention, they quickly gathered an offering to help the apostle with his needs. You can see why every time Paul thought of the Philippians, he offered up to God a prayer of thanksgiving.
For whom can you thank God today? Who in your life has been such a blessing that they deserve a special petition of thanksgiving to the Lord? Your spouse...your child or grandchild...a person you work with...someone you don't really know? If you're not sure how to begin when you pray, follow Paul's example - begin with thanksgiving!
