Thanksgiving

Enter His courts with praise

Understanding this phase

You never go into the courtroom of God demanding things. First, you thank Him for what He's already done. Thanksgiving completes the transaction — it's your way of saying "I received it."

If He said believe you have received it, when you believe you have received it you say thank you. A praise is an indication — I got it. If I hand her something and she says thank you, I release it because that means she got it. You have to complete the transaction with thanksgiving.

Scripture foundation

"Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name."

— Psalm 100:4

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

— Philippians 4:6

"In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Example prayer

Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude. Before I ask for anything, I want to thank You for what You've already done. Thank You for life, for breath, for Your faithfulness that never fails. Thank You for carrying me through things I didn't even know I was going through. I complete this transaction with praise — I receive every good thing You have poured into my life. Thank You, Lord.