March 26, 2025 Devo

I had the most awesome time of prayer today. As I went into the sanctuary to walk and pray, I thought about this very touching encounter I had with one of our older saints. Her compassion for me and the church warmed my heart. So as I started my prayer, I thanked God for her and for the encouragement she gave me. That led me to thank God for the blessing of having pastored MANY people like that through the years. The best way I can describe it was that it was as if I fell into this stream of being so aware and overwhelmed by God’s goodness and blessings in my life, that it was all I could pray. I couldn’t stop thanking Him.
I thanked Him for amazing people along my path because, without their influence and input into my life, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I thanked Him for the precious gifts of my wife, my family, and my friends that have enriched my life beyond measure. I thanked Him for the privilege of being called into ministry and for all the incredible opportunities I’ve had through the years to speak, write, coach, and encourage. I thanked Him for the wonderful health my wife and I have to enjoy, knowing that it’s a fragile blessing that can change in a moment. Finally, I thanked Him for His Grace. For being ever more faithful to me than I’ve been to Him. For never letting go of me, never giving up on me, and always believing in me.
For thirty-five minutes I prayed, cried, laughed, and shouted. Finally, I put in my earbuds and played Brandon Lake’s song, “Gratitude.” I continued to walk, and I sang as loud as I could. It was one of the most meaningful times I’ve ever had with God. I didn’t ask Him for anything. I didn’t pray for anyone. I didn’t seek His blessing on my life, my family, or my ministry. I didn’t intend for it to be that way going in, because there is always much to pray for and always many situations and people to intercede for. And trust me, I ALWAYS come to prayer standing in need of God’s presence and power. But today, as I started thanking Him, I just couldn’t stop. And can I tell you something funny? When I finished singing the song and walked out of the sanctuary, my heart was bursting with joy. Somehow thanking Him for all He’s done relieved my heart of the need to ask Him for what I wanted Him to do. Gratitude is a powerful healer. I’d encourage you to give it a try. That’s God’s Word for you today.