praying effectively: Give Thanks to the Lord (Ps.106, 107, 118)

(Psalm 106:1-3, 47-48)

 Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Who can speak of the mighty deeds of the Lord, or can show forth all His praise?
3 How blessed are those who keep justice, who practice righteousness at all times!

47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise.
48 Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, from everlasting even to everlasting. And let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the Lord!

(Psalm 107:1-2, 43)

 Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the adversary

43 Who is wise? Let him give heed to these things, and consider the lovingkindnesses of the Lord.

(Psalm 118:1-4, 22-24, 29)

 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.
2 Oh let Israel say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
3 Oh let the house of Aaron say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
4 Oh let those who fear the Lord say, “His lovingkindness is everlasting.”

22 The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.
23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.
24 This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it...
29 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; for His lovingkindness is everlasting.

Reminder:  "praying effectively" involves knowing God's will.  When we pray in His will (in His name), He may choose to not answer those prayers in the time period that we would like, or HOW we would like - but He will answer those prayers!

It is God's will:
- that we keep justice and practice righteousness (106:3)
- that we rejoice and are glad (118:24)
- that we give thanks to the Lord (106:1, 107:1, 118:1)
- that we praise the Lord (106:1, 48)
- that all people desire to bless the Lord (106:48)
- that all believers claim the Lord's eternal goodness and lovingkindness (107:1-2, 118:4)
- that we give heed to all that the Lord has done and consider His lovingkindness (107:43)
- that we thank the Lord for His eternal goodness and lovingkindness (118:29)
- that Israel as a nation will claim that Lord's eternal lovingkindness (118:2-3)

Today's prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for all the things You have done, are doing, and will do - and most especially - thank You for Your work on the cross - to make eternal salvation possible.  And one day, in Your perfect timing, Israel as a nation will turn back to You, and You will fulfill all promises made to them - which will bring immediate justice to all people.  It is all because You are good.  And it is because You love us beyond anything we can fully grasp right now.  Help all of Your children to practice justice and righteousness, and emulate Your lovingkindness.

I should never complain about how many times we are told in Your word to give thanks, because I definitely need the reminder!  You are well aware of how many "duh" moments I have in my life.  I'm so grateful that You created me in Your image.  I'm most grateful that You forgave me of all my sins!  Although I'm a little curious about my "quirkiness", I'm most sure You have a great a sense of humor.  Help me use my quirkiness for good, to glorify You, because I know without a doubt that You want us to rejoice and be glad.  And I thank You for that, as well.