This Includes Saying Thank You
Communication is a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behaviors. It is the transmitting of information. It is a two-way street; it goes both ways.
Too often when we pray, we’re focused on asking God for things we want, and we should ask God for those things. But this doesn’t mean that praying for things we want means we’ll get them.
We need to make sure the things we’re asking for are in alignment with the things God wants.
The other thing that happens too often when we pray. We forget to thank God for all the prayers He does answer.
Notice how the definition of communication above isn’t just talking. It’s the exchanging of information.
When it comes to prayer, communication includes our thoughts. God knows our thoughts, the good, the bad, the positive, the negative, the ugly, and even the sinful because there is nothing that God does not know.
In Psalm 139:1-2 David says, “O LORD, you have searched me and know me! You know when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts from afar.”
The message of David tells us that our thoughts, whatever the dynamics of them may be, are important to God, and because it is so important to Him, He discerns fully and continually reminds us that these thoughts matter.
However, we should also be careful as to what we are thinking about. This is particularly mentioned in Isaiah 55:8 as stated, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD.”
David had an interesting relationship with Saul. One minute David was like a son to Saul, and the next, Saul was trying to have David killed.
Through all this tumultuous relationship, even after having a couple of opportunities to put an end to it and take Saul’s life, David stayed true to God and His plan.
After Saul and his sons are killed in battle, David is made king. David went to the Lord with a prayer of thanks. (2 Samuel 7:18-29) David humbles himself and asks God why He has made a simple shepherd a king. David says,
“You know what I’m really like.”
David goes on to say, “O Lord God, I am your servant; do as you have promised concerning me and my family. Confirm it as a promise that will last forever. And may your name be honored forever…”
Prayer is often looked at as a formal thing. Something that is high and mighty. It is talking with God after all.
We need to remember that it is just communication with our Father in Heaven. Remember to thank Him for all that we are and all that we have.
