Thanksgiving and Prayer
Open Your Bible
Philippians 1:3-11, Acts 16:16-40, Philemon 1:4-7
BY Melanie Rainer
Early into this past Advent season, I wrote letters until the ring finger on my right hand blistered. For two days straight, I wrote cards of gratitude and joy for each of the volunteers in the children’s ministry I lead, followed by cards filled with stickers and sweet words for every child (ages three and over) in my ministry. In each child’s card, I wrote a variation on a similar theme, but all had the same conclusion: “I hope you always remember how much Jesus loves you.”
I assume these cards were tossed aside in the holiday hubbub, or purged in the seemingly requisite January clean-out that most families undertake. As I wrote, I kept thinking, Do these words matter? Is it worth the time? Maybe the cards matter, maybe they don’t, but I know the words on them do. And every time I penned that phrase, I prayed the child who received the card would take it to heart.
Paul’s letter to the Philippians starts with similar sentiments, echoing ancient truths and the hope that the words within the letter would sink down deep into the hearts of those who would read it. This opening exhortation to his readers in Philippi offers a template for godly relationships of believers deeply committed to sharing the love of Christ. Paul expressed gratitude for the Philippians, “for every remembrance” of them (Philippians 1:3), as well as their partnership in the spread of the gospel.
Paul has a history with the Philippians, and it is on this rich foundation that he builds this really beautiful letter. In Acts 16, we see that when Paul first came to Philippi, a woman called Lydia was converted to faith, and then she and her family invited Paul to stay with them. Their generous hospitality was marked by open ears, open hearts, and open homes.
Later in the chapter, Paul and Silas were arrested, and in the end, the Lord delivered them from prison. However, during their imprisonment, one of their jailers became a believer, and also welcomed Paul and Silas to his home: “He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and rejoiced because he had come to believe in God with his entire household” (Acts 16:34).
Paul seems to care very deeply for the Philippians. As modern readers, we know the rest of this letter will hold both caution and affection. But this beautiful opening reveals the heart and intent behind Paul’s words. We see in these verses how godly relationships work when they are anchored in love for the gospel; there is push and pull, earnest prayer, and deep care for one other’s true well-being and spiritual growth.
As I write, I see the faces of those believers who I know I can cling to with the same godly affection Paul has for the Philippians, who balance their love for me with their desire for me to grow more like Jesus every day. They aren’t afraid to whisper (or shout) rebuke in love, and they bathe their strong words in prayer for my sanctification. These people have partnered with me in the hard work of sharing the gospel with a world that has become increasingly hostile toward it.
I am so thankful for these friends, and today I pray for them in the same way Paul prayed for his friends in Philippi: “that [their] love will keep on growing in knowledge and every kind of discernment,” and that they would “be pure and blameless in the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God” (Philippians 1:9–11).
84 thoughts on "Thanksgiving and Prayer"
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We have a “Chuck” at our church, Churchmouse. Her name is Miss Edna. She has loved the Lord Jesus all her life and she shares that love with everyone. As we come into the church she is greeting everyone with kisses & hugs & telling them she loves them. It doesn’t matter if it’s friends or strangers, pressed & dressed or dirty & ripe, she’s there to offer the love of Jesus in person. I want to be her when I grow up.
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Bessie I too pray for the same. I get so irritated and hate it. May God take this away from me and let me give in true heart to all.
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Reading these passages and the devotional reminds me of a practice I did during Lent a few years ago. Every day during that season, I wrote a note of gratitude to a different person. Many were dear friends who had encouraged and been part of my spiritual growth for years. A few were some sisters who had spoken “truth” in my life, but not always in the kindest way. For each one, I focused on a trait or talent that demonstrated Christlike character and encouraged them in that way. I never heard a word from most of them, although a few let me know that my words came at just the right time. Honestly, I think the exercise did more for me than for the people I wrote to. I’m encouraged today to begin another round of gratitude letters! Who doesn’t love getting real mail these days?
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As Angie said, I read every day and always look at your comments and thoughts. It is such a comfort of knowing and learning from all of my sisters on SRT. I am thankful and blessed to have this. In Christian love to you all.
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Just like Melanie as I’m sure most of us here have those godly friends who pour out “Truth“ to our lives. They are not afraid to speak up. They encourage and at times rebuke but it’s all done love. I accept it because I know they love Jesus and want the best for me. I am thankful for those friends. I work at a school and as I mentioned mainly with little kindergartners whom I love to the moon and back. It’s sad to say we live in a world where I have to be very careful but when the opportunity comes and a child needs a hug I pray for them. I pray that it’s not my arms hugging him but Jesus arms.
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Good morning sisters in Christ! I normally don’t get to read until later in the evening, once the chaos of the day has died down. And the last community reading I did was Advent (loved that one!). Its good to be back for a new series and I am hopeful that I can keep up each day! I don’t always post when I read, but I wanted to echo the thanks that many have spoken to the community today. Even though I don’t always post, I do usually read the comments and I glean wisdom and understanding from them, so thank you for your faithfulness and insight! I know I’m a bit late in starting resolutions for 2020, but I am feeling the need to make some changes in my life at this point (maybe its because I am now 40…..). I don’t want to just coast through life anymore, I want to be intentional and I want to make a difference for Him each day. I want to be filled with His Joy each day, rather than just trying to make it through the day each day. So even though I feel like my schedule is already jammed pack, I am trying to implement each day my devotional time for my spiritual health, exercise for my physical health, and yoga for my mental health. Adding 3 things to a busy life sounds intimidating, but I am hopeful that I can rearrange and re-prioritize so that I can be a happier person that is filled with love and grace to spread to others, rather than a tired, grumpy one! Prayers would be appreciated!
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One more thing – would you all please pray for my daughter Abbie? She is applying for a new teaching position. It has been her heart’s desire since she started teaching to work at this school. It’s the one she went to and where her oldest is in kindergarten.
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Praying for a great outcome of her application and interview! It’s such a blessing to have your babies at school with you!
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Praying for her!
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Praying for Abbie, praying that she is confident in the interview and has no feelings of stress and only peace !
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I have been participating in SRT Bible studies for several years, but I haven’t been very diligent about the community side of it all. One of my goals this year is to be more intentional about relationships. I have been convicted that participating in this part of SRT is part of that intentionality.
Philippians has always been one of my favorite books in the Bible. I think it’s because it is so full of joy. Even when Paul is exhorting the readers to walk worthy, stand firm, be bold, there is joy behind the words.
After reading Paul’s words this morning I want to be a more grace-filled woman, a woman who is full of gratitude. I want to use my words to lift others up, not letting bitterness or grumbling take hold.
I want to see people as the unfinished masterpieces that God, the ultimate Creator, is still working on. Verse 6 says, “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” I teach high school art and this verse has resonated with me this morning. I love my job. It is my calling and part of my calling is to be salt and light for my students. I pray that I will look at even the most difficult as unfinished masterpieces and that God will give me the privilege of being part of the work He is doing on each of them.
I love this community so much. It is my lifeline and the way I start my day. (Today my day started a little later because we are out of school because of flooding. I’d prefer a snow day, but this is the South!)
I love you, ladies of SRT. Have a blessed day.
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