Daily Devotional - Jesus Lived a Life of Thanksgiving

At all times and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father. 
—Ephesians 5:20

Part of prayer’s power is the power of thanksgiving . . . because there is not powerful living apart from a life of thanksgiving. During His earthly ministry, Jesus lived a life of thanksgiving. He gave thanks to the Father on many occasions and for many things.

For example, He gave thanks to God when He broke the loaves and fishes and fed the 4,000 people (see Matthew 15:36). He thanked God that He had heard His prayer concerning the raising of Lazarus from the dead (John 11:41– 42).

And He gave thanks to God when He gave the bread and wine to His disciples at the Last Supper even though He knew His suffering and death were very close (see Mark 14:22– 23).

If it was important for Jesus to live a life of thanksgiving, it should certainly be important for us to do the same thing.

Prayer of Thanks Thank You, Father, for the example of Jesus and the thankful life He modeled for us. Help me to enter Your gates with thanksgiving every time I come to You in prayer. You are good and You are worthy of my thanksgiving and my praise.