I’ve had many people ask me, “How do I get closer to God?” or, “How can I get my prayer life better?” In a devotional I read recently, I was reminded of the answer to these questions. I believe that the fastest way to get closer to God, and have a better prayer life, is by having a thankful heart. To be thanking God throughout the day.

This practice makes it possible to:

• rejoice more,

• pray without ceasing more,

• thank Him in every situation more,

• and have a more grateful attitude.

Thankful prayers provide a foundation for all our other prayers to build upon. We can grow closer to God and be better at prayer by drawing nearer to Him in thankfulness.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, “Rejoice always. Pray continually. Giving thanks in all these circumstances: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

May we each be thankful, grateful, and blessed because of it.

Devotion adapted from “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young