Title: The Power of Thanksgiving Before Petition.

Philippians 4:6-7 KJV [6] Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. [7] And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 

Devotion: In the quiet moments of life, when uncertainties cloud the horizon and burdens weigh heavy on the heart, there remains a simple yet profound truth: God is sovereign, and nothing is beyond His reach. The passage from Philippians 4:6-7 is a divine invitation, urging us to exchange anxiety for prayer, and fear for faith. But nestled within this instruction is a crucial element—thanksgiving.

   Thanksgiving is more than a polite gesture; it is a bold declaration of trust. When we approach God with gratitude first, we acknowledge His past faithfulness, His present sufficiency, and His future provision. Before we ask, we remember. Before we request, we reflect on His goodness. And in doing so, our hearts shift from worry to worship, from desperation to dependence.

   No situation is beyond God's ability to change. There is no sorrow He cannot soothe, no lack He cannot fill, and no obstacle He cannot overcome. When we present our needs before Him with a heart full of thanksgiving, we are not merely pleading for help—we are resting in His unfailing love and wisdom. 

  And then comes the promise: the peace of God. Not just any peace, but the kind that surpasses all understanding. A peace that does not bow to circumstances but stands firm in trust. A peace that guards the heart and mind, keeping them secure in Christ.

   So today, before you lift up your requests to God, pause in gratitude. Thank Him for His faithfulness, for His mercy, for His love that never fails. And as you do, watch how your heart is steadied, your spirit strengthened, and your faith deepened. There is nothing He cannot do—He is able, He is willing, and He is already at work.

  Dear reader, have you been praying without results? Try this model - thank God first, worship God and then in faith submit your petition (your needs) to God and wait expectantly for answer. God will answer in the best way. He may change your situation or use your situation to change you thereby answering your prayers. 

 ©Dr Joel Olanrewaju, let me know your thoughts on this at gbemide09@gmail.com. Please share this devotional with your contacts.