Daily Devotional for Nov. 12, 2004 - Thanks for Others

"I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers." Philemon 1:4

Most people always remember to ask God for their own needs and desires. We thank him for the blessings of the day and ask him for the wants of our hearts. But how often do we really consider others during our daily prayer life?

In Paul's epistles, he tells the churches he writes to that they are always in his prayers.

"We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers." I Thessalonians 1:2

"Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers." Ephesians 1:16

And we aren't talking about "God bless Aunt Betsy" or "Please be with Raymond and help him feel better." We are talking about genuine gratitude to God for having others support us in our lives. We need to be grateful for the church family he has given us and how these people enrich our lives. In our prayers, we should thank God not only for the material blessings he gives us but the most important ones: the people in our lives. Who are you thankful for?

• the woman who helped distract your fussy child
• the elders who lead your congregation
• the preacher who delivered a sermon you need to hear that day
• the child who gave you a hug as soon as you entered services
• the deacon who arrived at services early to make sure the heat was on before you arrived
• the ladies who prepared Sunday's communion
• the brother who always listens to you when you are having family difficulties

Daily Devotional Archive - See our past daily devotionals.