A Prayer to Express Gratitude for the Gift of God’s People - Your Daily Prayer - March 14
A Prayer to Express Gratitude for the Gift of God’s People
By Keri Eichberger
Bible Reading:
I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. - Philippians 1:3-5
Listen or Read Below:
If I were to be completely transparent, I would confess that I currently sense quite a bit of heaviness and see some difficult circumstances looming on the horizon. And all the while desperately desiring to strap myself tighter to a solid foundation beneath me. To lock into a giant rock that won’t shake or shift with the fear that sometimes consumes and worry that attempts to sway me. What I need, as I always do, is to lean into the Lord. Our Almighty God. The anchor of every storm. And how grateful I am for his unshakable presence, his sufficient power, and his surpassing peace that never leaves. But besides the steady source of God’s constant existence within and beneath us, he also provides invaluable visible blessings all around us. To bolster our strength and faith. He offers us his people.
Reflect with me for a minute. Consider a time when someone helped you through a hard time. Offered aid, assistance, or some sort of support in a mission, calling, or project. When someone encouraged you, served you, or sat with you. Possibly prayed for you, prayed with you, or even prayed over you. Personally, I have found the greatest support and encouragement from God’s people. Given by God himself. Brothers and sisters in Christ who have a God-given heart to help, as well as shine and show the love of Jesus.
In fact, in this very season—one of difficulty, doubt, and fear—I have taken a leap and shared my struggle of an upcoming major surgery with fellow believers and trusted church members. I have vulnerably reached out, requested prayer, and in response have received great gifts of God’s strength, peace, and comfort through his people. I couldn’t be more grateful. And I don’t know about you, but asking for help, or even prayer, doesn’t come easy to me. But what I do know is how blessed I have been when I have blessed others with love, prayer, and support. So I’m learning to open my heart. I’ve learned that the power of prayer promotes peace. And support bolsters strength. I’ve learned that there are people who share the same Gospel mission to pray, love, and serve. Other believers want and wait to help. And I’ve become incredibly grateful for the body of the Church that bolsters one another and the mission of Jesus. Just like Paul, as he expressed in his letter to the Philippians, when he wrote, I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.
If you are the one carrying a load right now, I pray that you will open your heart to God’s people. I pray that you will share your struggles and express your need. That you will let the body of Christ help carry your burdens, strengthen your way, and refresh your soul with peace. And I pray that you will then be filled with joyful gratitude for God’s people.
May we all remember all the people God has placed along our path to lift us up, and thank him. May we acknowledge that he still has people waiting to serve us and walk alongside us today, and thank him for it. And in response, may we rejoice in our thanksgiving by joining in the gospel advancement. Gratefully serving the church, the body of Christ—and being a light and blessing to each and every single one of God’s people.
Let’s Pray:
Father God, You are my steady rock through my every life struggle. You are in me and with me with your power and peace. Not only that, but you offer blessings and gifts all around me that I can see and touch, and experience with the senses you creatively gave me. You offer the presence of your people. People who have offered to help me, encourage me, and pray for me. And I am so thankful. Lord, I admit it isn’t always easy to ask for help, but help me reach out and let your people in.
Remind me of the truth that you have placed people in my path who are waiting and wanting to be your hands and feet and love as you do. You already have, and you’ll never stop. Help me to express my gratitude by showing up for others in return. To love them as you do, to serve them as you do, and join in the advancement of the gospel of your son, our Savior, Jesus. I praise and am forever grateful for who you are, all you’ve done, and all you’ll continue to do.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
If you liked what you read, I think you will love my latest book, Win Over Worry: Conquer What Shakes You and Soar With the One Who Overcomes. You can find it on Amazon or your favorite online retail site. I hope it blesses you!
Share your reflections on today’s devotional in the Your Daily Prayer discussion on the Crosswalk Forum.
Photo Credit: GettyImages/Lyndon Stratford
Related Resource: What If God’s Heart Toward You Is Kinder Than You Think?
In this episode of Talk About That, you will laugh along with stories about children’s books, volleyball mornings, St. Patrick’s Day, and even the questionable legacy of the Power Team, but underneath the humor is a thoughtful conversation about one of the deepest questions of faith: how God truly sees us. John and Jonnie reflect on weakness, mercy, and the struggle many believers feel in accepting that God is not only patient with them, but genuinely pleased to call them His own. It’s an honest, encouraging reminder that our relationship with God is not built on performance, perfection, or “having it all together,” but on His love, grace, and fatherly delight in His children. You'll come away challenged to see yourself less through the lens of self-criticism and more through the steady, compassionate eyes of a God who knows you fully, loves you deeply, and may just be rooting for you more than you realize. If you laughed out loud listening to this episode, be sure to follow Talk About That on Apple and Spotify!
