The importance of Thanking and remembering in Prayer

Gospel Thoughts

*Ordinary Season : 21st Week - Monday*

*GOSPEL - Mt 23:13-22*

*First Reading - 1 Thes 1:1-5, 8b-10*

*The importance of Thanking and remembering in Prayer*

*"We give thanks to God always for all of you, remembering you in our prayers,"*

*1) Paul Silanus and Thimothy thanked God*

They Thanked the Thessalonians community For 

*For their work of Faith* : They were able come to the belief in One true God, that the God of Israel, by giving up their idol worship

*For their labour of Love*

The people had special love towards these God's people. Because of this they supported the disciples of Jesus to spread the Goodnews 

*For their endurance in Hope*

This community had lots of problems and challenges in practicing their faith. In spite of all these challenges they were able to stand firm in their faith. 

Because of these reasons Paul and his comapnuins thanked God for this beautiful community

*2) They remembered this community in their Prayer*

Paul and Companions not only thanked God for their gift, but also offered continuous prayers for this community

Prayers for their wellbeing, for their endurance, for their survival, to face all the challenges, to remain faithful to the Lord, to bear witness to Christ, to support one another, to forgive one another and to share among them whatever they have 

To live a upright and sincer life one needs the support of prayer 

In a way prayer is needed for everything. So Paul and companions continuously prayed for the Thessalonians. 

*3) Effect of Thanking God and praying*

*Prayer* and *Thanks giving* are two powerful things which can change anything in this world

Prayer gives and special divine power and assistance to do some work or to change anything our life 

Thanksgiving is a great gesture of gratitude which makes a person to depend on God, rather than depending on ones own  abilities

History has changed because of prayer and Thanks giving 

*4) A activity can't end without thanks and prayer*

Prayer takes the first part. We begin anything with prayer, asking God's assistance in our work 

Thanksgiving is also part and parcel of any venture. We thank God, people, and the resources we have at our disposal to accomplish the task 

*5) Am I able to Thank and Pray*

Thanking is a great Quality, which all do not have. 

In this context, am I able to thank God and my neighbor? 

Instead of thanking God, for all the Good things, do I find fault with everything and with everyone and criticise right and left 

A person who can't thank God and his neighbor, is basically unsatisfied person, who sees only negativity rather than good things 

*How about my Prayer?*

Am I praying for my own self? My own wellbeing? My own comfort and luxurious life? Such a self centered prayers will never have any power

Instead, pray for others, their wellbeing, their prosperity, their growth. Then our prayer not only becomes effective, we will be blessed with all things, which we need in life, even though we don't pray for it.

This is the Logic of prayer *You pray for others, then you are blessed*

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*