Sabbath: Reasons for Thanksgiving and Prayer
Daily Lesson for Sabbath 3rd of January 2026
Image © Pacific Press
Read for This Week’s Study: Philippians 1:1-18, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8, Jeremiah 17:9, Colossians 1:1-12, 1 Peter 1:4, Psalms 119:105, Isaiah 30:21.
Memory Text:
“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6, NKJV).
Paul quite intentionally begins his epistles with words of greeting—and thanksgiving. “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Colossians 1:2-3, NKJV).
We, like Paul, have much to be thankful for. We have experienced God’s grace in profound ways—ways that even angels cannot comprehend. The same is true of God’s gift of peace, which embraces harmony with God and the hope flowing from God’s love.
On a human level, we can give and show appreciation to others and hope that people appreciate the things we do for them. Parents pray that their children will love God and appreciate someday, if not now, the real sacrifices they’ve made to give them the best upbringing they could. But, as human beings, we make many mistakes, and we learn from them (or at least we should).
This week we’ll consider Paul’s opening words of thanksgiving and prayer in Philippians and Colossians, which may enrich and strengthen our own prayer life.
I quoted part of this quote a few weeks ago but it is pertinent to this lesson too. William Johnsson, editor of the Review and Herald wrote this not long before he died. I reckon he took his cue from Paul:
If we have one congregational sin to confess, it’s that we spend too much time finding faults and not enough time encouraging one another.
Why was Paul overflowing with gratitude and appreciation? He was profoundly aware that everything, including his salvation, life and privilege to serve, was the result of God’s abundant grace. Paul marvelled at the extravagancy of God’s grace that was lavished on him. He was astonished that God was so gracious to him.
“Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy… The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly.” (1 Timothy 1:13–14).
To develop a spirit of gratitude and thankfulness, we must first see how extraordinary the grace of God is. “But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favour on me…” (1 Corinthians 15:10, NLT). When we recognise that who we are and all we have become are gifts of God’s grace, gratitude and appreciation naturally will overflow from our lives
Paul often remembered the active progress of faith among different believers in diverse locations. Although he was uncertain about the future because of his circumstances, he remained joyful and thankful that the ministry was continuing to grow. Despite many hindrances, trials, hardships, and personal struggles, Paul rejoiced that believers in various places continued to do what they knew was right. This is why he could say, “I thank my God every time I remember you… being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion” (Philippians 1:3, 6).
Paul’s joy was rooted not in comfort, but in God’s ongoing work in His people.It is easy to thank God during good times, but what about during unhappy occasions? Like Paul, we must learn to be thankful for the many gifts God has given us—both in joyful moments and when things are not going as planned. Even in prison, Paul gave thanks, showing us that gratitude is an act of faith. We must be firmly persuaded, with deep conviction, that God is always at work. God never gives up on us, even in difficult times, and He continues working in and through us. As Scripture reminds us, “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Whether good news or bad news, blessings or hardships, happy or unhappy occasions—God uses them all for His purpose.
Thanksgiving is acknowledging, recognizing, appreciating and expressing gratitude to God for who He is and for all He has done.
Prayer is direct communication between us and God. It includes praise, thanksgiving, confession,
and requests.
Thanksgiving expresses faith; prayer shows dependence on God.
Biblically, thanksgiving and prayer are essential parts of our lives. They draw us closer to God, cultivate humility, strengthen faith, and align life with God’s will.
When we live a life of prayer and thanksgiving, we experience peace, spiritual growth, and a strong relationship with God.
Like Paul, I must focus away from earthly destruction; and rather, on the deliverance from modern afflictions. God’s armor – His shield of faith – is mine to wear (Eph 6:16). His “crown of life” awaits me, if I am among His faithful followers (Rev2:10).
Despite what others might say, Jesus is, “My friend in trials sore.
I go to Him for blessings, and
He gives them o’re and o’re.”
In my experience,
“Jesus is all the world to me;
My life, my joy, my all.
He is my strength, from day to day;
Without Him I would fall.
When I am sad to Him I go.
No other one can cheer me so.
When I am sad,
He makes me glad.
He’s my friend.”
(Hebrews 13:5,6)
It is with gratitude that I acknowledge each gifted one, set apart and set free, as we accept the gift of the spilt blood of Jesus. Then may we live as patient, obedient, overcoming saints, “… who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” (Rev. 14:12)! Praise God!
Thanks be to God, the One Who gives us this mortal life! For that alone, we should be forever grateful. But He gives us more; He gave His Son so we could also regain the right to eternal life.
“O for a thousand tongues to sing
my great Redeemer’s praise,
the glories of my God and King,
the triumphs of his grace!”
It is because of His goodness and grace in our lives that
we can praise Him, because His mercies endure forever!!!!!
The fruits of Righteousness are good works which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God – Phil.1:11.
What would be the Gospel message in a nutshell, boiled down to its essential Truth? Is it not to: ‘Love God with all your heart, and do the works of Righteousness generated by the Spirit of Christ to the Glory and Honor of God?’- Phi.1:9-11.
Paul, in his letters to the saints in Colossae and Philippi, spoke of praying for them to strengthen them in their faith to ‘walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God.” “…, giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the Light..’ – Col.1:10;12.
When our reasons for thanksgiving and prayer are focused on these things – good works for the Glory and Honor of God, and praise for qualifying us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the Light -, then we can praise God and be grateful always and forever – Phil.1:6.
Despite his chains, apostle Paul remained strong in faith so as to send letters of encouragement to believers across Asia and Europe including the ones he had not meet in person. One would expect it on reverse
I thank God for His mercies
Paul held the philippi and colossae and his church at heart and always praying for them .May I always learn to hold my church at heart and always pray for them, as we wait to meet Jesus when he surprises us.