Topical Bible: Thanksgiving: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others

Bible > Topical > Thanksgiving

◄ Thanksgiving: should be Accompanied by Intercession for Others ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

Thanksgiving, a central theme in Christian life, is not merely an expression of gratitude but is deeply intertwined with the practice of intercession for others. The act of giving thanks to God is frequently coupled with prayers for the needs and well-being of others, reflecting a holistic approach to prayer that encompasses both gratitude and supplication.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul provides a clear example of this practice in his epistles. In 1 Timothy 2:1 , he writes, "First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of integrating thanksgiving with intercessory prayer, suggesting that gratitude to God should naturally extend to concern and prayer for others.

Similarly, in Philippians 4:6 , Paul instructs believers, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This passage highlights the necessity of thanksgiving as a component of prayer, which includes intercession. The act of presenting requests to God is not limited to personal needs but encompasses the needs of the community and others.

Theological Implications

Thanksgiving, when accompanied by intercession, reflects the communal nature of the Christian faith. It acknowledges that believers are part of a larger body, the Church, and that their prayers should reflect this interconnectedness. Intercessory prayer, coupled with thanksgiving, demonstrates love and concern for others, fulfilling the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Matthew 22:39).

Moreover, thanksgiving with intercession aligns with the character of Christ, who consistently prayed for others. In John 17, Jesus offers the High Priestly Prayer, interceding for His disciples and all future believers. This model of prayer underscores the importance of interceding for others while maintaining a heart of gratitude.

Practical Application

Incorporating thanksgiving with intercession in daily prayer life can transform the believer's spiritual practice. It encourages a shift from self-centered prayers to a broader focus on the needs of others, fostering a spirit of empathy and compassion. This practice can be implemented by setting aside specific times for intercessory prayer, ensuring that thanksgiving is an integral part of these prayers.

Church communities can also emphasize this practice by organizing prayer groups or meetings focused on intercessory prayer with thanksgiving. Such gatherings can strengthen the bonds within the community and create a supportive environment where members pray for one another's needs.

Conclusion

Thanksgiving, when accompanied by intercession for others, enriches the believer's prayer life and aligns with the biblical model of prayer. It reflects a mature faith that recognizes the importance of gratitude and the responsibility to pray for the well-being of others. Through this practice, believers can experience a deeper connection with God and with the community of faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 2:1
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 1:3
I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of you in my prayers night and day;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philemon 1:4
I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers,
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of Prayer
... Scripture, which show that acceptable prayer is accompanied with these ... Rule as to
supplication and thanksgiving. ... Public prayers should be in the vulgar, not in ...
/.../calvin/of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/of prayer.htm

But Though Prayer is Properly Confined to Vows and Supplications.. ...
... we deliberate, speak, or do, should be deliberated ... and perverse which are not
accompanied with thanksgiving ... by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 28 but though prayer.htm

Prayer --A Privilege, Princely, Sacred
... restricted and more intense form of prayer, accompanied by a ... prayer, and watch in
the same with thanksgiving"; "Be ye ... not the will of God that men should pray? ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/i prayera privilege princely sacred.htm

Apart
... of that repentance which is not accompanied with mourning ... common sin of husbands
and wives should be confessed ... sin together, and to offer thanksgiving together ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 43 1897/apart.htm

Removal to Stamford-Hill, and Commencement of the Fifth ...
... and I asked Van Maasdyk what I should do ... favorite spots was, as at former times,
accompanied by a ... word flowed freely: the meeting closed with thanksgiving by me ...
/.../chapter xvi removal to stamford-hill.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... right apprehension of its design is accompanied by a ... act of offering prayer we should
be unable ... adoration, confession, petition, and thanksgiving,"no address ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

The Third Continental Journey.
... this we removed by saying that more should be sent ... Many of our new friends accompanied
us, the judge with ... in our hearts for their good, and thanksgiving to our ...
/.../chapter xii the third continental.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... especially after those honours which are accompanied by pomp ... received by us from
him, we should desire our ... created priests to render due thanksgiving to God ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... golden ornaments, [720]307; surpassed by thanksgiving and losses ... should not always
be learning, but should be able after a time to teach others also, [1030 ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

I Will Pray with the Spirit and with the Understanding Also-
... unto God" (Philippians 4:6). A sensible thanksgiving, for mercies ... Books, yet we know
not what we should pray for as we ought, being accompanied with those ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/i will pray with the.htm