If you ever received a personal phone call from the Governor or the President, your first reaction—regardless of your politics—would probably be to thank them for taking the time to speak with you. After all, they’re busy people with heavy responsibilities.

How much more remarkable is it that the God who created the stars, manages the seasons, and holds the universe together invites us to talk with Him anytime we want?

The Apostle Paul noted how prayer and thanksgiving naturally go hand-in-hand:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

Notice the order here. Paul doesn’t just say “dump your wishlist and your worries on God.” He tells us to bring our prayers with thanksgiving.

There is something powerful that happens when we begin our prayers by thanking God for what He has already done. We thank Him for His faithfulness. We thank Him for family, for breath in our lungs, for His mercy that met us this morning, and for His peace that carried us through yesterday.

Before you know it, that spirit of thanksgiving begins to change your entire perspective. The problems that seemed so massive and terrifying suddenly shrink down to size against the backdrop of God’s goodness.

What are three specific blessings you can thank God for before you bring Him your requests today?