Today I am grateful for the privilege of prayer. Prayer is personal communication and communion with God in worship. Prayer is the means through which we connect with God and he addresses the petitions that we place before him. In Philippians 4:6, Paul writes: "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication [petition], with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."

This verse invites believers to give our burdens to the Lord in prayer. We can approach God with our needs and serious prayer requests with full confidence that he is listening to us. Our attitude in prayer should be one of thanksgiving instead of anxiety because God is faithful to do what is best for us at all times and in all situations. Thanksgiving helps us to change our perspective from worry to worship. God's goodness is far greater than any challenge that we face.

As I write this devotion, there are several things that I need from God. Yet, I will not allow myself to worry or to become anxious because God has proven himself through the years to be reliable and trustworthy. Even though the pandemic was incredibly trying for my family and millions of others around the world, I have made a conscious decision moving forward to be thankful for what I have and for what God is doing in my life. I am even thankful for the good things that he brings into the lives of other people! I know that there are many more brighter days ahead for the people of God. I pray that God's richest and best be yours! If you have not yet watched my short video entitled "An Attitude of Gratitude, I invite you to do so now. Be blessed!

In Christ,
Wilfred Graves Jr.
www.wilfredgraves.org