"I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16 NIVHe's my person. When I think of him, I smile. When he's gone, I feel like a piece of me is missing. When I think of people I want to be with, he is at the top of the list. We don't get tired of being together, and we've been together for a long time-16 years since we started dating, almost 15 years of marriage.
And when I think of things I'm thankful for, he's pretty darn near the top of the list. It's pretty much: 1. Salvation 2. Joel. I have a wonderful family, they're really the best, and they're probably number 4 (my kids would be number 3) but he edges them out. He *knows* me, and he still loves me. Yup.
So, truly, he is somebody I am thankful for. So thankful for. And because of that, he's in my prayers. All the time. I just want the best for him, because I love him. The Lord has used him to make me a better person, a stronger believer, not so self-focused. And I am so thankful for all of that. And I am thankful for who he is-a wonderful husband, terrific father, good provider, not to mention handsome, smart and funny. At least, I think so, and that's all that counts, right?
And honestly, I think that the Lord appreciates when we pray for the things we are thankful for, but especially for the people we are thankful for. Over and over, we are reminded of the importance of prayer, and praying for each other. Jesus prayed for us, in the Garden of Gethsemane, right after He prayed for His disciples:
"20 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, 21 that all of them may be one,Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me." John 17:20-21 NIV
He was thankful for us-for those who had followed Him, and those who would. And He prayed for us, remembering us in His darkest hours. How much more so, in times of joy in our lives, should we remember those we are thankful for? Yup, the people we are the most grateful for are the ones we should always be remembering in our prayers.
Today's Reflection:
Who are you most thankful for? Are you constantly remembering them in your prayers-both thanking God for them, and thanking Him for His work in their lives? Today is a great day to start. And if you're feeling brave, share your prayers with the one you for whom you are thankful. Nothing is quite as wonderful as knowing you're in someone's prayers.
Looking for the printable scripture writing plan? Or another day of the "Thankfulness: From Hand to Heart" study? Find them here!
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