The Thankful Leader

Posted on November 24, 2009 by Ronald T. Brown, Ph.D.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Philippians 4:6-7

Karl Barth, a twentieth-century theologian wrote, “God is not deaf, He listens; more than that, He acts.  And He does not act in the same way whether we pray or not.  Prayer exerts an influence upon God’s action – that is what the word ‘answer’ means.  The fact is, God yields to our petitions.”

The Apostle Paul knew this.  That is why he tells us to not be anxious. Instead, we are to pray and petition God with a thankful heart.  Why?  Because we are coming to our Heavenly Father - who loves us, cares for us, is all powerful, and promised to work out everything according to His good will.

This Thanksgiving, let us remember the privilege we all have to petition God regarding our own needs - and regarding the needs of those we care about.  And then, let us be quick to thank Him for both this privilege… and for His answers.

** And, while we are on the topic – Thank you for visiting this Blog every once and awhile!  It is much appreciated.