How to Enjoy Answered Prayers (3) Enter the Gates of Prayers with Thanksgiving

** Starting Words

** Scripture Reading: Ps 100:1-5, 103:1-22, Ep 1:3-23, Co 2:6, 3:12-17, 1 Th 5:16-18

1. Communing with God in the atmosphere of thanksgiving will surely see miracles and signs <Ps 100:1-5>
# Ps 100:4 [Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name]
1) During prayer, the atmosphere of the Most Holy Place in my spirit is very important, it will affect the whole process, contents and results of
prayers
- Try imagining various atmospheres within your heart during prayers: In a very cold atmosphere, my spirit will receive what kind of contents
and results? What about under an atmosphere of being accused as a result of guilt? How about communion in an atmosphere of
discontentment and grumbling? How about communing with the Father God who loves me under the atmosphere full of thanksgiving and
praises?
2) Every time when I restore the atmosphere of thanksgiving in my heart during prayer, I will see many miracles and signs following after
- Will see: My spirit has extremely swift transformation → therefore I know: forces of darkness are removed quickly /Holy Spirit works
swiftly, God already gladly accepted my thanksgiving offering → following that, God’s loving kindness and perfect will continue to be
revealed to me → As a result, my spirit is strengthened, and restores the authority and power bestowed by God → In my thoughts, words,
deeds, God’s power is manifested → at the same time when my spirit restores the perfect will and power of God, God also opens important
opportunities and doors…
# When Job preserved a heart of thanksgiving in the midst of affliction, Satan was disgraced, God was glorified, Job and his family were
doubly blessed <Jo 1:21>/ # When Paul gave thanks and praises in prison, the prison doors were opened, the jailor and his entire family
were blessed, the Philippians Church was built <Ac 16:25-40>
# The testimony of the son of a pastor in Australia, Brother Nick: He was born without 4 limbs, but only the head and body…When he sang
“Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so” at the church Sunday school when he was 6, 7 years old, his heart felt very
contradicting, he did not know [what did Jesus love about him]…until he was 16 years old, when he was born again and discovered the
unique everlasting love and plans that God prepared for him in Jesus Christ, he started to give thanks for all the conditions that God gave
him…from that moment onwards, doors of evangelism opened greatly. Currently, he is travelling round the whole world, using the love of
the Lord to testify, save, comfort, heal the spirits of many others…
3) 100% of humans [are being accused, see the negative side, are discontented, grumble], these are qualities of man’s life which come with birth
- One very serious spiritual problem of man is [not knowing that he is already in blessings], [do not know how to enjoy, do not know how to
give thanks, do not know how to repay kindness]; actually, everyone lives in [millions and millions of (infinite) blessings], but our
perspective is always bounded by [one small little problem], such that small matters expand to [big problems that influence our whole day
and everything]; not only can we not enjoy or display the infinite blessings bestowed by God, but we also bury the blessings in
non-beneficial gloom instead…
- Such a situation not only happens in the lives of [non-believers], but also always occurs in the lives of believers who have already
experienced God’s great love and power… # The reason why majority of the Israelites who came out of Egypt fell dead in the wilderness…
4) Therefore, after believing the Lord Jesus, need to properly format for once: the [absolute reason] why I should give thanks and praise in any
circumstances, then etch that content in my heart, so that it will become the [foundation of thanksgiving and praises], then can discover the
reason to [give thanks and praises] in any time and place and in all things…
- The commonality of all the spiritual great people in the Bible is that their lives were built on the never-changing, thanksgiving rock,
therefore they could enjoy God’s entire loving kindness and grace at all times and in all things… # In Deuteronomy, Moses recounted the
past abundant grace of God, which brought them through the wilderness /in <1 Ch 29:10-21> and the testimonies of Psalms, David
recounted the infinite grace of God / the grace of God which Paul saw in the entire Israelite history and his evangelism ministry in his
lifetime…
2. When we have the heart to test and approve the reason to give thanks, infinite reasons to give thanks will be revealed to us = 7 absolute reasons
why we should give thanks to God forever <Ps 103:1-22, Ep 1:3-23>
1) Give thanks: Everything that I possess now is [received] from Father God, and prepared by God for me…
- All things in heaven and on earth, the sun, moon, stars, all kinds of shapes, tastes, fragrances are all specially created by God for me…
- According to His own image, God gives me [body, heart and spirit], and unique loving kindness, conditions, plans… (in the entire history
and universe, there is no one like me) / the spouse, children, relatives and friends beside me are all received from God…
→ From today onwards, always have to bring such a perspective to view all things and phenomenon, and have to bring the heart of
[continuously receiving the never-ending loving kindness, grace and blessings from God] to face the new times, encounters, matters every
day…
2) Give thanks: Father God already prepared for me [eternal kingdom and everlasting wonderful things]
- My life is already proven to be [the eternal child of God, the eternal new bride of Christ, eternal temple of Holy Spirit, the one who reigns as
king in the heavenly kingdom forever with the Lord], thousands of angels and heavenly hosts serve me forever…
→ From today onwards, I will forever meet [new grace], forever enjoy [more wonderful blessings], no matter what situation I am in now, I am
now enjoying [the best grace that I never had before]
3) Give thanks: For me, Father God sent His only Son Jesus Christ, revealed to me the mystery of [Word became flesh, Immanuel], taught me
the eternal perfect will that God has for me; and made Him replace me to bear the [judgment, curses, suffering, death] that I should bear, and
resurrected, ascended to heaven, now in control of all eternal authority in heaven and on earth
- God demonstrates his own love for me in this <Ro 5:8, 8:31-39>, the new life, identity, relationship, belonging, inheritance, contents,
methods given to me <2 Co 5:17>, made Christ live in me, manifesting His authority and power, let me enjoy eternal victory <Mt 28:18-20,
Mk 16:15-20, Lk 10:17, Jn 16:33>, made me the main character of history, and become His everlasting inheritance <Ac 1:8>
 → From today onwards, I must center my living on [knowing Jesus Christ more in all things, live out Christ]. As a result, in any trouble,
hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword, can discover the loving kindness and grace of Christ <Ro 8:31-39, Ep 3:14-21>
4) Give thanks: Prepare for me many brethren, make my life enjoy Father God’s love in midst of brethren, helping one another, build the eternal
kingdom together
- Parents, siblings, spouse, children / teachers, relatives, friends, neighbours / especially the eternal brethren who are acquainted in the Lord…
- Today, I receive such a life, I can grow in grace and loving kindness, all because of the life and loving kindness that God bestowed upon
them…
→ From today onwards, all the more have to accept with [thanksgiving heart]: all the interpersonal relationships (family, brethren, relatives,
friends, even enemies) that God prepared for me), learn more from it, enjoy and spread the love of Jesus Christ, and also learn how to join
up together with one another, to build the body of Christ together…
5) Give thanks: Made me the deacon of heavenly kingdom, live my entire life for [glorifying God, benefitting man, building kingdom (4
gospelisation)], moreover, everything I need are already bestowed upon me
- Thank God for revealing the mystery of the gospel of Jesus Christ to me, committing the living and active sacred word to me, so that I can
enjoy all the power of the infinite Holy Spirit, sending heavenly angels and hosts to help me, so that I can drive out demons, raise the dead,
heal others, nurture others, send others, and gather the people of heavenly kingdom, build churches, expand heavenly kingdom; these are
the ministries which the angels cannot do but yet envy…
- Thank God: Especially made me born in the 21st century, growing up [among the Chinese] who are the main characters of the 21st century,
so that my life can bless this era
- Thank God for giving me all kinds of unique conditions, relationships, gifts, experiences and testimonies…
→ From today onwards, when I test and approve all things with this [lifetime prayer topic (goal)], I can discover the perfect will of God, such
that I can give thanks in all things…
6) Give thanks: Father God will surely timely provide for all my needs
- Daily bread: Spiritual strength, wisdom, physical strength, financial strength, manpower/ until now it had been so, in future will certainly be
so as well
- Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well <Mt 6:33>. The Lord will fully supply the
power I need for my ministry. According to the strength provided by the Lord, just need to serve faithfully with all my heart and strength in
the ministry that I am in…
→ From today onwards, do not need to worry about what to eat, wear, do say tomorrow…each day has enough trouble of its own, just enjoy
everything with a thanksgiving heart …
7) Give thanks: To refine me, Father God will give me appropriate tribulations; and also thank Father God for regarding me highly as [faithful
servant], allow me to bear suffering for His church, and when I bear, gives me abundant grace, so that I can be able to bear, and receive eternal
crown
- [Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops
perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything] <James 1:2-4, 1 Pe 1:6-7>,
[No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can
bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it…] <1 Co 10:13>
- [Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ's afflictions, for the sake of his
body, which is the church] <Co 1:24>, [So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in
suffering for the gospel, by the power of God] <2 Ti 1:8>
→ From today onwards, in any suffering, first examine whether my own life has unclean areas or areas to be renewed, then can preserve the
heart of [loving the Lord, submitting to the Lord] to walk with the Lord, and use a thanksgiving heart to face all the sufferings I meet, will
surely receive wonderful fruits of life…
3. After going through training, can receive [the perspective, nature, habit of thanksgiving] <Co 2:6, 3:12-17, 1 Th 5:16-18>
1) If can really receive such a life, miracles and signs will surely continue to follow me
- At anytime and anywhere, can enjoy [all the blessings God prepared for me], all the things I have met become miracles as well as blessings
- People whom I love and those who are always with me can enjoy the greatest blessings
- Will often meet [important people], doors of evangelism continue to open / God hands an era over to me…
2) How to train to receive such a life?
① First have to resolve: Henceforth I have to [enter the gates of prayers with thanksgiving]
- Every time before communing with God, first have to confirm the spiritual atmosphere of my heart and mind to pray, after receiving the
heart of thanksgiving and praises, begin to commune with the Lord…/ through the [7 absolute reasons to give thanks] stated above, build
the inner room of prayer (Most Holy Place). In everything, test and approve God’s perfect will through these thanksgiving reasons…
② Strive hard to train: No matter when and what matter, must see [bright side]
- This is the blessing enjoyed by the humble ; [Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven] <Mt 5:3>, they can always
enjoy [the blessings brought about by contentment] → although the [vision from heaven] has to be big, the heart to accept [little things]
every day with contentment and thanksgiving, the cheerful heart to do things faithfully, serve man, is the driving force to fulfill great
things
- Those who are solely contented because of the eternity, loving kindness, perfect will, completeness, never-changing ways of Jehovah,
can enjoy [contented joy] in any circumstances; [The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you,
he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing] <Zep 3:17>; [Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no
grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the
stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior] <Hab 3:17-18>
③ Everyday in all things, strive to discover [the perfect will of God], enjoy [the loving kindness and grace bestowed by God] <Co 2:6,
 3:12-17>
- Every morning anticipate new grace, strive to discover new times, new learning, new ministries, new wisdom, new encounters…
- In all things, Jesus Christ has the supremacy. When we live and pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests,
in all things we will discover Christ’s perfect will, wisdom, examples, can see Christ living in me, thus I can live out Christ…
④ Especially when I meet tribulations, ironies, problems, treat them as good opportunities for training. Through concentrated prayers, test
and approve the perfect will that God prepared for me in the problems, accept the [special intensive training] that God prepares, so that the
building up of my life can be expedited…
# The blessings Job received after going through suffering: ⑴ wisdom – [Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised <Jo 1:21>; ⑵ eternal life – [And after my skin has
been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God…] <Jo 19:26>; ⑶ crown -- [But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will
come forth as gold] <Jo 23:10>; ⑷ Evidences of Immanuel – [My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you] <Jo 42:5>; ⑸
After being refined, blessings in all areas – [The LORD blessed the latter part of Job's life more than the first…] <Jo 42:12>
# Prayer of Moses: [Make us glad for as many days as you have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen trouble] <Ps 90:15>
# What David saw in his tribulations -- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my
cup overflows <Ps 23:4-5>
⑤ Every day two or three times, temporarily format the times I face, the loving kindness, grace, power and crown that the Lord bestows upon
me; especially at night, count the blessings of the entire day. These are the things that I must do to be trained to receive [the perspective,
nature, habit of thanksgiving]…
= Noontime, turn back to test and approve the grace that God had revealed from morning to noon, and offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving
and praise; evening time, similarly turn back and examine how God will guide in the hours ahead and add on grace; especially before
sleep, count the Lord’s blessings, anticipate the new grace tomorrow, firmly believe the eternal wonderful time and grace, offer the
sacrifice of thanksgiving and enter into peaceful sleep…
3) Even if already received such a blessed life, the same training cannot stop for the entire lifetime, until our lives leave our bodies, leave this
world. Because when our lives are still in [flesh, world], there is possibility of [falling whenever we are not relying on the Holy Spirit], always
have to [be cautious and alert to test and approve the perfect will of God and to follow God]

** Closing words
** Prayer topics for this week
1) Communing with God in the atmosphere of thanksgiving will surely see miracles and signs: When communing with God, what is the spiritual
atmosphere within me? (Cold? Guilty? Mourning? Grumbling? Thanksgiving and praises?) Have I experienced: When enter God’s gates with
thanksgiving and commune with God, Holy Spirit actively works in my spirit, bringing me into another world, and I receive abundant answers?
Resolve: In my whole life’s prayers, I have to first receive the heart of thanksgiving, then enter the courts of God to commune with God!
2) When we have the heart to test and approve the reason to give thanks, infinite reasons to give thanks will be revealed to us: Everything I possess today
is [the grace freely received from the Father God who loves me]. Format: The absolute reasons for me to enjoy [thanksgiving and praises] all my life
in any circumstances, then engrave on my hearts: make those absolute reasons the foundation of my [entry into God’s gates with thanksgiving] every
time!
3) After going through training, can receive [the perspective, nature, habit of thanksgiving]: Presently, the nature of my life is more inclined toward
[positive] or [negative]? Reflect: To receive [the perspective, nature and habit of thanksgiving and praises], particularly in which areas do I need to
reinforce training?