January 13

The Prayer Of Thanksgiving

At that time Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing in Your sight. — Luke 10:21 BSB

In that same hour, the seventy disciples returned with joy. They had experienced the power of Jesus' name over demons and disease. Our Lord, too, shared in their gladness, giving Himself over to an outpouring of happiness.

Notice how Jesus habitually addressed God as Father. Whether in joy, as here, or in the sorrow of Gethsemane, the Fatherhood of God was the Rock in which Christ found refuge. Just as a mountain is reflected perfectly in the still waters of a lake, so God saw Himself perfectly in His Son, Jesus.

An inscription on an Egyptian temple reads, "I am he who was and shall be, and no one has lifted my veil." How significant that when Jesus died, the veil of the Temple was torn from top to bottom! Before that moment, the knowledge of God had been reserved for a few, seen only dimly. But from then on, the love of the Father was fully revealed through Christ.

We must become like children to understand the ways of God. Children are humble and pure, and it is to these transparent hearts that Jesus reveals Himself.

We must also be prepared to say "Yes" to God. Even when faced with the mystery of why some things are hidden and others revealed, Jesus trusted His Father and was at peace. In a school for the deaf and mute, a visitor once wrote on the blackboard, "Why did God make you deaf and me able to hear?" A student took the chalk and wrote, "Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight."

Finally, we must share what we know with others. God does not teach us merely for our own benefit, but so that we can help those around us.

Prayer

Teach us, O Lord, to pray. Pray in us by Your Holy Spirit. May our hearts be filled with His deep yearnings, and may our lips give voice to His prayers. Amen.