16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV)
What is God’s will? According to Paul in 1Thessalonians, God’s will is for us to rejoice always, pray continually, and give thanks in all circumstances. Lofty goals for us. It would be easier if Paul said, rejoice and pray often, and remember to be thankful. How do we learn to rejoice, pray, and give thanks to the Lord more often? By looking to God in all circumstances, praying for His direction, seeing others through His loving eyes. By realizing that rejoicing and prayer bring us closer to the promises of God and the hope of Christ, our source of true joy. Even when Paul was in jail and shackled, he rejoiced in God’s goodness. In prayer, we acknowledge God, His goodness, His grace, His mercy, and His provision for us. When we trust God, we feel thankfulness for His past, His present, and His future mercies toward us. These make us want to rejoice, pray, and thank our Heavenly Father.
God’s will for us is to rejoice always, pray continually and give thanks in all circumstances. When you are troubled, confused, afraid, and overwhelmed, do you stop; and take a moment to rejoice, pray, and give thanks?
Prayer; Our Heavenly Father, we are in awe of Your love and compassion for us. We rejoice in your goodness to us, we pray for Your guidance, and we thank you for Your amazing grace. Teach us to find delight in Your love and to rejoice always. Open our hearts to You. Let us embrace Your will, focus on Christ, and reach out in prayer with thanksgiving in all circumstances. Like the foxglove blossoms appear to be open and in song, let us open our hearts to you and rejoice with singing. In Jesus’ holy and loving name. Amen
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God is open to and listens to our prayers. If you need prayer, I will be glad to pray for you. Leave a comment or message me on the contact page. 🌺
Garden Faith 
I so agree with you that what this verse tells us to do seems impossible most times. Looking to God in all circumstances and praying are ways that will help us find things to be thankful for and rejoice about.
Prayer is such a crucial part of keeping that posture of surrender and joy.
Blessings to you Jeanne 🌺💙
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I agree that prayer is crucial, opening the door to peace, surrender, and joy. It also is a way to seek answers, guidance, thankfulness, and understanding. It is great hearing from you, Manu! Blessings! 💗✨🌺
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Woww!! My dear, you SURPRISED me!! I thought about you right now..! While I’m scrolling on the readers side just I felt like that you have post some powerful piece..! And after I saw you post I’m stunned..! Woww!! And this piece is absolutely very true and beautiful..! Yeah!! When we pray to God he will listen..! Jesus don’t want nothing to us..! He want to hear our prayers..! Very powerfully penned dear..! Amen!!🤗✨
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Sonia, thank you for your kind words! Scripture is beautiful and meaningful, a few words carry much advice. I believe in the power of prayer; what a blessing, Jesus listens to us, guides us, and helps us. It is always wonderful to read your comments! Have a wonderful week my friend! 💗🌷🌼🌺
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