I PRAY with as ATTITUDE of THANKSGIVING
“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.“
Have you ever said of someone, “He’s got an attitude!”? Or said to a person, “You need a better attitude!” Thanksgiving, eucharistia, means thankfulness. If we can see other’s attitudes, don’t we realize God sees ours? How do we think it makes God feel when we pray with an ungrateful or negative attitude? Which of the following attitudes is reflected in your prayers?
- I don’t know if You’re listening, God.
- If You’re listening God, You probably won’t do what I’m asking, but just in case…
- I don’t know why I’m praying. It never does any good.
A few days ago I walked on the front porch and heard the loudest tweeting I’ve ever heard. I expected to see a gigantic bird and watched for the branches to rustle so I could spot the happy caroler. Instead, my eyes fell on a tiny little bird. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. It was stretching and straining, causing the bough to bend up and down. As I listened and found pleasure watching that little bird, I thought how much pleasure my heavenly Father must have when we stretch our tiny arms heavenward and praise Him. Does God see us? Of course He does! Does God note the one who joyfully comes to Him thanking Him for answered prayer? Yes!
A negative question from a negative loved one or negative co-worker doesn’t engage us as a positive question from a thankful one. For instance, there’ve been times when my husband has asked me to do something I wasn’t in the mood to do; but I couldn’t resist his engaging grin and playful big brown eyes. What does God see when we call on Him? A sullen, doubting saint or an expectant, hopeful one?
Heavenly Father, Thank You for who You are and all You are. Thank You that You are ever present for me to pray to You. Thank You that I can pray to You with confidence; knowing You hear and answer my prayers according to Your will.
Adapted from If God in In Control, Why Am I a Basket Case?
