"I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy, thankful for your partnership in the Gospel from the first day until now. Phil. 1:3-5    

Thanking God is pursued by many only on rare occasions. Asking for things becomes the main purpose of prayer.     For Paul, giving thanks is a continuing feeling of joy expessed to God for His goodness. In every prayer he gives joyful thanks.    

He thanks God for making the Philippians partners in the work of the Gospel. They accepted the good news of Jesus Christ who suffered and died and rose again for their salvation. They showed their joy in Christ by sharing their lives and possessions in the work of bringing this Gospel to others. Paul thanks God for their faithful work. From the first day until now, they have joined Paul in the work of the Gospel. He finds that the more he thanks God for His love in Christ, the more thankful he becomes.    

Christian friends, We miss the joy of thankful lives, if giving thanks is only a Sunday formality. Our joy in thanksgiving increases as we express our thanks to God each day.  When you have asked for safe travel, passing a test, landing a new job, healing, remember to thank Him when He has graciously answered your prayer.  

We thank You, LORD, for blessings                                                                            You give us on our way;                                                                                                     May we for these be grateful,                                                                                          And praise You every day.  

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - We dont' need more to be thankful for, we just need to be more thankful.