Happy Thanksgiving! It can be a happy time, even though there are so many things to do. Despite the fact that much is not right, there is still much for which we can be thankful. I hope that our ambition for a better world, a better church, better families, and better health doesn't leave us unwilling or unable to give thanks. In today's installment of these Messages About Purpose and Strategy, I want to give a reminder about the importance of giving thanks.

We recently devoted a lot of time studying prayer. During that series, I hope that we didn't miss the way in which our prayers are to be laced with thanksgiving. Phil. 4:6 says, "Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This is fascinating to me. The verse tells us to replace our worries with requests. Of course, we do not yet have what we are asking for, but even so we are to ask with thanksgiving.

I ask God that he would give us the power and passion to do his will here. I want us to more effectively lead people to follow Jesus. And I pray that love will be both our method and our motive. But I make all these requests with great thanksgiving for what God is already doing in our midst. He deserves thanks and praise!

Phil. 4:7 tells us what to expect when we pray with thanksgiving: "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."