“Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the Glory of God? Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes, and said, Father I thank thee that thou hast heard me.” John 11:40-41

Wow! What powerful four words Jesus said, “Father I thank thee!”

Before He received the miracle, before He received what He has asked for, He thanked the Father.

How often do we start off prayer with those four powerful words? How often do we start off our day with those four words?

Let me ask you a question that Jesus asked Martha — do you believe? Do you truly believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that through Him, we have resurrection and life, that we have eternal life and life more abundantly? Do you believe that through Jesus Christ which lives in you, can do all things?

Are you praying for a miracle? Do you need a breakthrough in your life? Are you struggling in your spiritual walk with Him? Are you hurt, or depressed?

Let me ask you another question. Have you thanked the Father before anything else?

Jesus set a good example of prayer to the Father.

Matthew 6:9-15 says, “After this manner therefore pray ye: O Father which art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come.

Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”

Throughout Psalm, David sang praises to God. He entered His Courts with thanksgiving. And this is through some of his hardest times in life, David knew where his salvation came from; his joy, peace, and strength, all came from the Father.

So, will you start your prayer with Father I thank thee? The Lord has done great things for you and I. I will rejoice and be glad in it. I thank the Father for the air I breathe, the food on the table, roof over my head, clothes for my body, protection from the enemy and for eternal life.

Give thanks unto the Lord, for He is worthy of our praise.

Jeff Tanksley is the pastor at Cornerstone Faith Church, located at 35764 Hwy. 76 in Golden. He may be reached at cfchurchmo.
org.