Because Scripture Commands It
Phil. 4:6 makes thankfulness an essential part of prayer. (“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”)
Col. 4:2 connects thankfulness with alertness in prayer. (“Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving.”)
Because Thankfulness is God’s Will for You
1 Thess. 5:18 – “in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Because You Pray to a God who is Worthy of Thanksgiving and Praise
Psalm 106:1 – “Praise the LORD! Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; For His lovingkindness is everlasting.”
Because Thankfulness reminds us of our Dependence on God
We are taught to pray for our “daily bread,” shouldn’t we thank God for it, too? 1 Timothy 4:4-5 – “For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer.”
Because Praise and Worship involves Thanksgiving
Psalm 100 tells us to enter God’s presence with gratitude (“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him, bless his name!”). Psalm 69:30 connects praise/worship with thankfulness (“I will praise the name of God with song, And shall magnify Him with thanksgiving.”).
Because God’s Works on Behalf of His People are worthy of Thanks and Praise
Psalm 111 reminds us of the mighty things God has done for his people and reminds us that wisdom begins with the Fear of the Lord which involves recognizing his mighty works on behalf of his people.
Because God has Saved Us
Psalm 70:4 – “Let all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; And let those who love Thy salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.”
Because Thankfulness is Part of Being in Christ
Col. 3:5 – “And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
Because Thankfulness is an Expression of Joy in the Lord
Psalm 95:2 – “Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.”
Psalm 147:7 – “Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving; Sing praises to our God on the lyre,”
What Does the Text Say? 