If you are like me, often when you pray you come to God with anxiety and concern about the circumstances about which you are praying. It is human nature to be anxious and fearful when there is risk and potential of tragic consequences.

However, a couple verses in the Bible help us think about prayer a bit differently, with thanksgiving.

Colossians 4:2
Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

It is definitely a difficult task to pray with thanksgiving, when the reason we are praying is because we are afraid. If we try, however, it accomplishes two things in us. It reminds us that God loves us and has control of all the circumstances we face, and when we have a feeling of thanksgiving, it is very difficult to also feel afraid.

Dear Lord, help us come to you with thanksgiving when we pray, even when we are praying for relief from the fear of events we may be facing. We know we can be thankful in everything because you love us and are always with us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.