When I flip through my prayer journals, I see a common theme, that of supplication. It seems I never hesitate to cry out to God to intervene in my life. I ask for his provision. I seek his help and wisdom. I pray for strength and healing and transformation. These are appropriate prayers, after all, Jesus taught us to pray for our daily bread. The psalmist cried out to the Lord for help and hope. And the author to the Hebrews encouraged us to come to the throne of grace to receive help and grace in our time of need (Heb. 4:16).
But I was convicted recently as I read a devotion from the Puritan, Thomas Brooks. When I read these words, “there is more need of praises than there is of prayers,” it made me pause. I stopped to mull that sentence around in my mind. I found myself mentally weighing my needs versus the gifts I’ve received. The next sentence clarified why this is true: “For our mercies outweigh our needs.”
Think of it! All the undeserved and unearned mercies God showers upon us each day far outweigh our needs. The more I considered all these mercies, the more I realized how seldom I stop to return thanks. More often, I take those mercies for granted. Mercies such as daily provisions, protection from evil, the joy of fellowship with Christ, forgiveness of sins, God’s faithfulness and steadfast love toward me, the sanctifying work of the Spirit in me, and so much more.
Thomas Brooks explained what happens when we give thanks: “Thanksgiving is a self-denying grace. It takes the crown from ourselves, and sets it on the head of our Creator. It is a grace that gives God supremacy in our hearts, thoughts, desires, words, and works. Thankfulness is a freewill offering.”
When we give thanks to God for who he is and what he has done, we give to God what he is due. “Ascribe to the Lord, O families of the peoples, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength! Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name; bring an offering and come before him!” (1 Chronicles 16:28-29). God alone is Creator and Sustainer. He alone gives us life and breath. He alone redeems and saves. In giving thanks, we humble ourselves before the One who gives us all things. Giving thanks reorients our hearts and minds from focusing on ourselves and what is going on around us. It redirects our gaze from the storm to the One who commands the wind and rain. It exalts God and magnifies who he is. It makes God great in our eyes and in our heart.
This admonition is timely for me in this unprecedented season of uncertainty. My worries over these past few months have produced discontentment rather than thanksgiving. Indeed, my prayers are many, but my praises are few. I’ve voiced my worries and concerns, expounded on my grumbles and complaints, and sought the Lord to intervene and provide. Yet, I’ve failed to prostrate my heart in thanks for God’s endless mercies. In the words of Thomas Brooks, I’ve held tight to the crown.
Brooks also pointed out that there is no prayer in heaven, only praise. As John wrote “…the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever” (Revelation 4:9). Thanksgiving and praise is the song of heaven. It’s the recurring anthem, the heartbeat of all who stand before the throne. The more we practice giving thanks on this earth, the more we ready ourselves for heaven to come.
We may not know what tomorrow holds. This uncertainty may continue for some time. Yet even in our difficult circumstances there is reason to give thanks. Because God’s mercies are many, may our praises outweigh our prayers.
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thess. 5:18).
