Rhythms: Prayer of Thankfulness
Philippians 1:3-5
January 21, 2024
Jay Haugh
God chiseled into His people the central truth that they were created and owned nothing, but they were accountable for everything.
Every day there was a morning sacrifice and an evening sacrifice.
Every week there was a “sabbath.”
Israel had seven festivals throughout the year.
Every day, every week, every month, every year, every season, every seven years, every fifty years, God shaped His people to know EVERYTHING is from God and by God.
For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools. —Romans 1:21-22 ESV
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy. —Philippians 1:3-4 NIV
Paul writes this letter from prison in Rome or Ephesus.
Paul’s prayer expresses gratitude for these baby believers.
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. —Philippians 1:3-5 NIV
Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia, not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only; for even when I was in Thessalonica, you sent me aid more than once when I was in need. —Philippians 4:14-16 NIV
I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. —Philippians 4:12-13 NIV
[their financial gift] is a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. —Philippians 4:18-19 NIV
Big Idea:
Every day, week, month, season and year reminds us everything comes from our benevolent God.
SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
Memory Verse: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
The goal of these questions is to foster meaningful discussion and to encourage participants to reflect on God’s Word to lead to heart transformation. Feel free to modify or expand upon these questions based on the dynamics and needs of your Small Group.
Throughout the Old Testament, how did God build “thanks” into our worship of Him? What intentional practices do you incorporate into your normal rhythm to cultivate a heart of thanksgiving?
In the Old Testament, many feasts and celebrations included offerings to the Lord. Do you view your financial giving as a way to give thanks for what He has blessed you with? How does giving to the Lord make you feel? How should we feel when we give to the Lord?
Read Romans 1:21-23
The corruption of the Gentiles began with a refusal to give thanks to God. Who do you know that is trading truth for a lie? What do you think is the root of someone’s refusal to acknowledge God? What are some excellent ways to come alongside individuals like this?
Read Philippians 1:3-5
When Paul writes and gives thanks for the Philippians, he is imprisoned. How do circumstances impact your temperament? Are you able to be thankful in challenging situations?
Paul is thankful for the Philippian Christians because of their partnership in ministry. Consider people in your life for whom you are thankful. Who has played a significant role in the development of your faith? Who is someone you are laboring together with? Who is someone you are investing in?
How do you feel when you are taken for granted? Because God is consistently present and active, what are some ways we may take Him for granted? How do you think it makes God feel when we don’t acknowledge the good things He does for us? Or worse, when we take credit for the things only God can provide.
When you pray, how often do you give thanks for what God has done in your life? If not very often, why do you think that is? Is it possible that a lack of gratitude in prayer is because we do not view God as the provider? Based on what is revealed, consider whether practicing confession before moving on would be helpful.
A spirit of complaining or dissatisfaction prevents us from being thankful. What are some “first-world” problems that you complain about? (e.g. The Internet is not fast enough. The refrigerator is so full you can’t see what you have. Nothing good to wear). How can we take these complaints and turn them into prayers of thanks?
When we want to thank another person, what gestures do we use to express our appreciation? In a similar manner, what are ways we can show thankfulness to God? When we have an attitude of thankfulness, how does this impact our relationship with God and man?