Thankful Watching

Bible Reading: Psalm 95:2; 100:4; Philippians 4:6-7

Aunt Diana finished reading and closed her Bible. “Now let’s pray and take our needs before Jesus.”

Cassidy crossed her arms. “God never answers my prayers.”

Reese gasped, looking wide-eyed at his big sister and then his aunt.

Aunt Diana looked tenderly at her niece. “I’m sorry to hear that, Cassidy. Have you tried being thankful when you pray?” Cassidy shrugged. “Let’s bow our heads anyway and I’ll pray,” said Aunt Diana.

After she prayed, Aunt Diana stood up. “Put on your tennis shoes. We’re going on a nature hike!”

When they were on the trail, Reese pointed to something hanging from Aunt Diana’s neck. “What is that?”

“These are binoculars. They help you see what you might miss otherwise.” Aunt Diana held them up to her eyes. “Look, there’s a woodpecker in that tree.”

“Let me see,” said Reese. Aunt Diana gave him the binoculars. “I see him!”

“It’s my turn,” said Cassidy. Looking through the binoculars, she giggled. “There’s a bunny hopping in the grass.” She turned her gaze around a bit. “Hey, there’s a deer with a baby fawn! You’re right, Aunt Diana. Now I’m seeing all kinds of things I didn’t notice before.”

Aunt Diana nodded thoughtfully. “You know, thankfulness is kind of like spiritual binoculars.”

“How’s that?” asked Cassidy, giving the binoculars back to Reese.

“The Bible says to watch and pray with thanksgiving,” said Aunt Diana. “Looking through our thanksgiving binoculars, we discover all kinds of things to be thankful for. Thanking Jesus for what He’s already done for us—like dying on the cross for our sins—gives our prayers better focus and helps us trust Him to answer in the best way possible.”

“I’m thankful I got to visit you this weekend,” said Cassidy. “God did answer that prayer.”

On the way back, Cassidy and Reese held up pretend binoculars.

“Thank you, Lord, for eyes to see,” said Cassidy.

“Thank you, God, for feet to jump,” chimed in Reese.

Just then, they passed a dead possum. “Pee-ew!” Cassidy pinched her nose.

Reese piped up. “But thank God for a nose that can smell it!” – Beth Anne Ingram

How About You?

Do you pray with a thankful attitude? Or do you complain when God doesn’t answer your prayers the way you want Him to? Thanking Jesus for all He’s done for you will help you watch for and accept His answer to your prayer—even if it’s not what you were hoping for. Pray with thankfulness and know that God will do what’s best.

Today’s Key Verse: Colossians 4:2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray with thanksgiving