Finding Passion and Purpose in Prayer
“The Transformative Power of Gratitude: Finding Passion and Purpose in Prayer”
“A prayer that’s seeking passion should not be about manufacturing a better feeling or jostling up a better mood. It’s simply about holding out your open hands—in thanksgiving first, in gratitude for God’s faithfulness and His goodness and His assured, accomplished victory over the enemy. Then asking. Asking for what He already wants to give you. Then waiting (expecting) to receive the promise of newness and freshness from His Spirit as you go along, more each day—praying until, as the prophet Hosea said . . . He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain watering the earth. (Hos. 6:3)”
― Priscilla Shirer
- Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us connect with God, find strength and guidance in times of need, and experience a sense of peace and purpose in our lives. However, it can be easy to get caught up in the routine of prayer or to feel disconnected and lacking in passion. This is where the power of gratitude comes into play.
- As Priscilla Shirer reminds us, prayer should not be about manufacturing a better feeling or trying to manipulate our emotions. Instead, it is about holding out our open hands in thanksgiving, recognizing the faithfulness, goodness, and victory of God. This is the foundation of a powerful and meaningful prayer life.
- By focusing on gratitude, we open ourselves up to the transformative power of God’s spirit. We become more open to receiving the blessings and promises that He has in store for us, and we find a renewed sense of passion and purpose in our lives. This is not a one-time event, but rather a daily practice that helps us to grow and to experience the renewing power of God more and more each day.
- As we pray with gratitude, we can expect to receive the promise of newness and freshness from God’s spirit, just as the prophet Hosea speaks of the rain coming down to water the earth. This is a powerful and transformative experience, one that can help us to find meaning and purpose in our lives and to overcome any obstacle that comes our way.
- Overall, the words of Priscilla Shirer remind us of the transformative power of gratitude in prayer. By focusing on the goodness and faithfulness of God and opening ourselves up to His blessings, we can find passion and purpose in our lives and experience the renewing power of His spirit. Whether we are struggling with challenges or simply seeking to deepen our connection with God, gratitude is a powerful tool that can help us on our journey.
