Rejoicing, Praying, and Giving Thanks Into 2025
Last Sunday, we looked briefly at Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Do you want a New Year’s Resolution? How about taking Paul at his word and putting it into practice? Sounds like a great plan! Here again, are some of the practical steps I’m taking into the New Year:
Cultivating Joy
1) Meditate on and Memorize Scripture: Focus on passages highlighting God’s promises, character, and joy (Ps 16:11, Mic 7:7; Phil.4:4).
2) Abide in Christ: Spend time with God daily through prayer, worship, and the Word (Jn. 15:1-17).
3) Practice Gratitude: Write down daily blessings and thank God for them.
4) Share testimonies of God’s goodness with others.
5) Serve Others: Find ways to bless others. Serving shifts focus away from personal struggles and reminds you of God’s work in others’ lives.
6) Surround Yourself with Joyful People: Engage with a community of believers who encourage, pray, and celebrate God’s work together.
7) Cultivate Contentment: Avoid comparing your life to others; focus on what God has provided (Phil. 4:11-13).
8 ) Celebrate God’s Faithfulness: Mark milestones of answered prayers or victories in life with celebrations of praise. Keep a journal of God’s past faithfulness to revisit during challenging times.
Cultivating Prayer
1) Set a Daily Prayer Time: Choose a consistent time to pray, such as morning, lunchtime, or before bed. Use an alarm or reminder to make prayer a priority.
2) Create a Prayer List or Journal: Write specific prayer requests and praises. Track how God answers prayers over time to build faith and perseverance.
3) Pray Scripture: Use Psalms, the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 6:9-13), or other passages as a guide. Let God’s Word shape your requests and praises.
4) Incorporate Prayer into Daily Activities: Pray during routine tasks like commuting, exercising, or cleaning. Use moments of waiting (in lines or before meetings) to talk to God. Let prayer become as natural as breathing.
5) Practice Different Forms of Prayer: Include adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication (ACTS method). Experiment with silent prayer, written prayers, or praying out loud.
6) Pray with Others: Join us at prayer gatherings or partner with a friend for accountability.
Cultivating Thanksgiving
1) Keep a Gratitude Journal: Write down three daily things you’re thankful for. Reflect on how God has worked in your life.
2) Incorporate Thanksgiving into Prayer: Thank God for His blessings, character, and work in your life.
3) Be Thankful in All Circumstances: Train your heart to look for God’s goodness, even in challenges. Ask God to show you what He’s teaching through trials.
4) Verbalize Gratitude: Make a habit of saying “thank you” to others and God. Share testimonies with others of God’s provision and goodness.
But remember, don’t think you can do all of this on your own. We need God’s grace and power through his Holy Spirit to enable us to rejoice, pray, and give thanks. Ask God to provide you with all you need to act on these rhythms.
Also, give yourself some grace too! We won’t do all of these all the time (at least, I won’t!), so don’t get down on yourself when it happens. Just look to Jesus, keep praying for his help and for the desire to live faithfully in God’s ways. God, who began the good work in us, will complete it on the day of Jesus Christ! (Philippians 1:6).
Journeying with you into 2025!
–Wade
