Learning to Pray Like Paul: Beginning With Thankfulness

June 28, 2026

Learning to Pray Like Paul: Beginning With Thankfulness

Learning to Pray Like Paul: Beginning With Thankfulness

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." — Philippians 1:3 (KJV)

When many believers think about prayer, the first thing that comes to mind is presenting a list of needs before God. While Scripture certainly teaches us to bring our requests to Him, it's interesting to notice how the Apostle Paul often began his prayers in a different way.

Paul is our apostle for this present Dispensation of Grace (Romans 11:13). As we study the prayers recorded in his epistles, we discover a beautiful pattern. Before Paul asked God for anything, he frequently thanked Him.

His prayers were centered on God's grace, the believer's position in Christ, spiritual growth, wisdom, and thanksgiving.

If you've ever wondered how to develop a richer prayer life, Paul's prayers provide a wonderful example.

Paul Began With Thanksgiving

Notice how often Paul starts by thanking God.

Philippians 1:3-6 (KJV)

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Even before making requests, Paul thanked God for fellow believers and for the work God was doing in them.

Colossians 1:3-5 (KJV)

"We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel."

Again, thanksgiving comes first.

Paul focused on eternal realities—the saints' faith, love, and heavenly hope.

Why Thanksgiving Matters

Beginning our prayers with thankfulness changes our perspective.

Instead of focusing only on our circumstances, we remember:

• God's amazing grace.

• Our complete salvation through Christ.

• Our spiritual blessings in heavenly places.

• Fellow believers who encourage us.

• God's faithfulness even during difficult seasons.

Thanksgiving turns our eyes away from fear and toward God's faithfulness.

Three Sample Grace-Filled Prayers

1. A Prayer of Thanksgiving

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for saving me entirely by Your grace through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Thank You for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. Thank You for every spiritual blessing that I already possess in Christ. Help me to remember Your goodness each day and to have a thankful heart regardless of my circumstances. May my life bring glory to You.

In Christ's name, Amen.

───

2. A Prayer During Difficult Times

Father,

Thank You that even in trials, Your grace is sufficient. Thank You that You never leave me and that Your Word gives me hope. Help me to trust You instead of my feelings. Strengthen my inner man by Your Spirit so that I may walk by faith and not by sight. Help me to keep my affection on things above.

In Christ's name, Amen.

───

3. A Prayer for Spiritual Growth

Father,

Thank You for giving me Your Word to study. Help me to grow in the knowledge of Christ and to understand the riches of Your grace. Give me wisdom as I rightly divide the Word of truth. Help me to walk worthy of the calling You have given me and to be an encouragement to other believers.

In Christ's name, Amen.

Bible Study

Read the following passages and answer the questions.

Philippians 1:3-11

• What does Paul thank God for?

• What does Paul pray will increase in believers?

• What does this teach us about praying for others?

Ephesians 1:15-23

• What does Paul ask God to give believers?

• Why is spiritual wisdom more valuable than material blessings?

• What truths about our position in Christ stand out to you?

Colossians 1:9-14

• What spiritual requests does Paul make?

• How do these prayers differ from many modern prayers?

• Which request could you begin praying for yourself today?

Prayer Journaling Prompt

Take a few quiet moments with your Bible and journal.

Write down:

• Five things you are thankful to God for today.

• One spiritual blessing you often forget to appreciate.

• One person you can thank God for this week.

• One truth about your identity in Christ that encourages you today.

Finish your journaling by writing your own prayer that begins with thanksgiving before making any requests.

Grow Deeper in Your Prayer Life

If this study encouraged you, you'll love my eBook, Praying Like Paul: A Grace-Filled Guide for Christian Women.

Inside you'll discover:

• How Paul prayed for believers.

• Why his prayers focus on spiritual growth.

• Practical ways to pray Scripture.

• Reflection questions and journaling prompts.

• Grace-centered encouragement rooted in Paul's epistles.

If you've ever wanted a richer, more Scripture-centered prayer life, this guide will help you begin praying with thanksgiving, confidence, and a deeper appreciation for the grace God has freely given us in Christ. CLICK HERE TO ORDER

(C) Adrienne Jason Grace Living Ministry 2026. Feel free to share this blog with others through sharing it as a direct link to the blog.

Thank you for spending this time in the Word with me today. My heart is to help Christian women grow in grace, rightly divide the Scriptures, and walk confidently in their identity in Christ. Through my ministry, I create resources that encourage women to rest in the finished work of Christ and live out the truths revealed in Paul’s epistles for this present dispensation of grace.

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