Why You Must Do This Before Praying To God For Anything

TODAY'S TEACHING

O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.
 —Psalm 136:1

Thanksgiving should be as natural to us as breathing.

It’s the kind of prayer that draws God closer and opens up space for Him to speak.

When we live with gratitude, we make room for God to work.

It’s not about forcing it.

It should flow like a river, easy and pure. 

I realized this one night when everything seemed to be falling apart.

A few years ago, I was in a season where everything felt like a struggle.

Work was overwhelming, family issues were piling up, and I was honestly just exhausted.

One evening, after a particularly tough day, I decided to try something I’d never really done.

Before asking God for anything, I started thanking Him.

"Lord, thank You for keeping me safe today. Thank You for my family. Thank You for giving me the strength to keep going."

And you know what?

The more I thanked Him, the lighter my heart felt.

I never expected it, but that simple act shifted my whole perspective.

It dawned on me.

When we start with thanksgiving, we align our hearts with God, and His goodness becomes so much clearer.

Taking a moment each day to thank God for what He's done is powerful.

But it doesn’t end there.

Every time you see His hand at work (whether in the small stuff or the big moments) let a prayer of thanks flow.

Maybe it’s, "Lord, thank You for watching over me," or "God, thank You for this ideal parking spot."

It’s about recognizing His presence, His goodness, in every part of our lives.

I remember one morning, dropping my kids off at school. 

Normally, I’d just drive off, but that day something stirred in me.

I prayed, "Thank You, God, for protecting muy kids today. Thank You for their health and opportunities."

It wasn’t a long prayer, but it made all the difference.

It reminded me that God is in the small details, not just in the big moments.

God is always faithful, always working behind the scenes for us. 

His gifts don’t come with an expiration date.

So, it’s only right that we respond with gratitude.

When we thank Him, we open up to His love and provision.

I remember another time when I was struggling with a big decision, unsure of what to do next.

Instead of panicking, I just focused on the blessings around me.

"Thank You, God, for guiding me before. Thank You for the wisdom You’ve already given me."

It wasn’t about getting all the answers at once, but about trusting that God had already been faithful.

Thanking Him reminds me of how far He’s brought me.

Don’t just thank Him silently, let your voice be heard.

Speaking those words helps you connect with Him in a real, tangible way.

I’ve had moments where I’ve whispered a simple prayer of thanks in the middle of a room full of people, and it felt like the whole space shifted.

When we vocalize our gratitude, we acknowledge God’s constant presence.

It’s a way of staying mindful of His love and grace.

So here’s a challenge: Before you ask for anything, thank God for ten things today.

Take a moment and just let those words flow.

Watch what happens when you start with gratitude.

God will meet you in ways you never expected.

I promise you, when you begin with thanksgiving, you release blessings and peace that can change your entire outlook.

Try it and see how your heart shifts when you focus on God’s goodness first.

If this resonates with you, here's a short prayer you can say today:

"Dear God, thank You for Your constant presence in my life. Your love never leaves, and Your hand is always guiding me, even when I don’t see it. Help me remember to thank You first, before I ask for anything, because You are good and faithful in all things. Let my heart overflow with gratitude for every blessing, big and small, so I can walk in the peace that comes with knowing You’re always at work. I trust You and I give You the praise for the countless ways You show up for me every day. Amen."

God bless you! 

Your brother in Christ,

Daniel
Daily Effective Prayer™

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