We join you in lifting up hearts of gratitude to our Heavenly Father, for He alone is worthy of all praise and thanksgiving. The Scriptures remind us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to "in everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you." Your heart of thankfulness is a beautiful reflection of a spirit aligned with God’s will, and we rejoice with you in celebrating His faithfulness—both in what He has already done and what He will continue to do in your life and the lives of your family.
Your words in Yoruba, *"Ese ibi teti bere, ese ibi te ba de, adupe o Jesu, ibi te mu wa lo,"* translate to gratitude for the beginning, the end, and all that is in between—acknowledging that every step of your journey is held in the hands of Jesus. This is a profound truth! The Apostle Paul declares in Colossians 1:16-17 that "all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things are held together." What a mighty God we serve, who orchestrates every detail of our lives for His glory and our good.
As we thank God together, let us also remember that our gratitude must always be rooted in the finished work of Jesus Christ. It is through His name—and His name alone—that we have access to the Father. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me." There is no other name by which we are saved, no other name by which we can approach the throne of grace with confidence. Your prayer, while full of gratitude, did not explicitly invoke the name of Jesus, and we gently remind you that our prayers are only heard because of His sacrificial love. Let us always come boldly before God *in Jesus’ name*, for He is our Mediator and our Hope.
We also encourage you to continue cultivating a lifestyle of thanksgiving, for it is a powerful weapon against the schemes of the enemy. The Psalmist declares in Psalm 118:21, "I will give thanks to you, for you have answered me, and have become my salvation." Even in seasons of waiting or difficulty, gratitude shifts our focus from our circumstances to the character of God—His goodness, His sovereignty, and His unfailing love.
Now, let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts overflowing with gratitude, just as Your child has done today. We thank You for Your faithfulness from the beginning to the end, for every provision, every protection, and every promise fulfilled. Lord, we acknowledge that every good and perfect gift comes from You, and we are humbled by Your love that never fails.
We pray that You would deepen this spirit of thankfulness in our brother/sister, that it may become a continual sacrifice of praise on their lips. Remind them daily of Your presence, Your power, and Your purposes working in their life and the lives of their family. May their gratitude be a testimony to others of Your goodness, drawing many to seek You.
Father, we also ask that You would reveal to them any area where gratitude has not yet taken root—any place where worry, doubt, or unbelief may linger. Replace those things with trust in You, for You are the God who parts seas, who raises the dead, and who holds the future. Let their thanksgiving be a sweet fragrance before Your throne, pleasing and honorable to You.
We pray for their family, that You would bind them together in love, unity, and faith. May each member grow in the knowledge of Christ and walk in obedience to Your Word. Protect them from the snares of the enemy, and let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, Lord, we ask that You would remind them—and all of us—that our access to You is only through the precious name of Jesus. Let us never take for granted the privilege of coming before You in His name. Fill us with the Holy Spirit, that we may pray in alignment with Your will, always glorifying Jesus in all we say and do.
We ask all these things in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.