Beginning with Gratitude

SCRIPTURE: PSALMS 100:4, 107:1, 143:5

There’s nothing quite like a strong start. Whether it’s an Olympic runner out of the starting blocks, taking a new position at your workplace, or the kickoff to a new semester of school - a strong start is very important. The same is true for us when it comes to fasting and prayer. A strong start to these three weeks of seeking the Lord is powerful and important. But where and how do we start?

Praise. That’s right…praise.

Beyond the dietary plans and schedule adjustments, I want to encourage you to start strong by starting with praise.

The entry point into God’s presence is praise.

Praise is the key that unlocks the door to Heaven.

Praise propels us out of our present and into His presence.

Praise is where breakthrough begins.

Praise is powerful!

Often, when we approach God, we quickly move right to our list of needs and requests while failing to recognize that we have missed the one thing that will always strengthen our faith and bring us to the place we so desperately need. We need the presence of the Lord much more than we need provision from the Lord, and praise is the very thing that makes this possible.

The amazing thing is that the book of Psalms doesn’t just tell us the power and importance of praise; it also gives us multiple reminders of what to be thankful for.

So, start this fast/this day/this time with the Lord strong by starting with praise. Make a list of things to be thankful for. Begin your time with gratitude. Readily recognize all that God has done on your behalf.