Romans 1: 8-12
I love how Paul begins the body of his letter after his introduction. He begins with thanks giving and prayer. I don't know how many of you have watched or are watching the series The Chosen, but one of the interesting things to note from the series is how Jesus, and for that matter His disciples as well, begin and end each day. They begin and end with prayer: "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who..." Jesus and His disciples would also pray and give thanks before each meal as well. Thanksgiving and prayer.
I would like to say that I myself do the same thing, but honestly, I find myself falling short in this area. I usually wake up ready for action. My mind is zooming the second I awaken and, because of my work schedule, I often go to sleep around the time most other people are having their dinner, so I usually say a short prayer before closing my eyes for the evening.
My wife Terri, on the other hand, is different. I like to catch her when I can as she awakens to greet a new day. She rises and, before she steps out of bed, she sits on the edge and spends the beginning moments of the day in prayer and thanksgiving. I think I married up!
Notice what Paul is giving thanks for. He thanks God for the Roman believers' faith. He is constantly mentioning them in prayer to God. Now wouldn't you like to have someone like that who is constantly giving thanks and praying for you day in and day out? Paul rejoices (thanksgiving) primarily because "all the world" has learned about the Christians in Rome. It was their faith that they were known for. It seems the Roman church was making inroads into the known world with their faith.
So Paul gives thanks to God and prays. I am reminded of Paul's words in 1 Corinthians 11:1, "Imitate me as I also imitate Christ." Paul was simply imitating Jesus in His lifestyle of thanksgiving and thanks to God.
So, I must admit that I am somewhat envious of Terri's ability to start each day in thanksgiving and prayer. But, wait a minute...can't I do the same? Sure I can, and so can you. So, what if we all began tomorrow morning with a new routine. Let's begin, and end, each day with thanksgiving and prayer to God. Don't let our bottoms rise from bed until we've had our time with God, and purposely spend the last five or ten minutes of each day doing the same? How would that change our day? How would that change us? How 'bout we find out? "Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who..."
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