Rejoice, Again I Say Rejoice!

As we step into a new year, the call to rejoice echoes loudly. These words from Paul, a man writing from a prison cell, hold a profound truth: gratitude has the power to transcend circumstances. Paul also reminds us that the antidote to anxiety is prayer accompanied by thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not just an expression of gratitude—it is the seal of our faith in prayer.

For intercessors, the burdens of the world can feel overwhelming as we lift nations, communities, and individuals in prayer. Yet, we know God is on our side, and He will always lead us to triumph. As we reflect on 2024, let’s remember that thanksgiving, as demonstrated throughout Scripture, is a weapon of victorious warfare. By starting the year with a heart full of gratitude for all God has done, we build a foundation of faith for the year ahead, trusting that He will do even more as we intercede for the nations.

Defining Intercession

Intercession is the act of standing in the gap, praying on behalf of others, and aligning our hearts with God’s will for individuals, communities, and nations. It is both a privilege and a responsibility, requiring faith, perseverance, and compassion. But what makes intercession truly powerful? It’s the attitude of thanksgiving that transforms our prayers into acts of faith.

The Role of Gratitude in Effective Intercession

Throughout Scripture, thanksgiving has been a powerful tool in spiritual warfare and intercession. Consider King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20. When faced with an overwhelming army, he appointed singers to praise God, declaring His goodness and mercy. Their thanksgiving was not a reflection of victory—they hadn’t fought the battle yet. But it was a declaration of faith, and God responded by setting ambushes against their enemies.

Thanksgiving shifts the spiritual atmosphere, reminding us of God’s faithfulness and aligning us with His promises. It renews our strength, guards our hearts against discouragement, and propels us forward in prayer with confidence.

Steps to Use Thanksgiving as a Tool for Intercession

  1. Thank God for Every Answered Prayer

Every prayer God has answered in the past is a testament to His faithfulness. Reflect on the victories of 2024—whether big or small—and thank Him for them. This act of gratitude fuels your faith, reminding you that the God who answered then will answer again.

  1. Use Thanksgiving to Guard Your Heart

The enemy often uses discouragement to weaken intercessors, making us doubt the impact of our prayers. Thanksgiving is a shield against these tactics. By focusing on God’s faithfulness, you refresh your spirit and gain the strength to continue pressing into prayer.

  1. Reflect and Set Goals Through Gratitude

Gratitude helps you reflect on the past year with clarity. As you thank God for answered prayers, consider the areas where you want to see His hand move in the coming year. Use this time of thanksgiving to align your goals with His purposes, creating a foundation for a more fulfilling year of intercession.

  1. Intercession for the Well-being of Others

Gratitude transforms how we intercede for others. When praying for someone, thanksgiving allows us to recognize how far God has already brought them, even if the change isn’t complete. This perspective fosters compassion and builds our faith that God will perfect the work He has started.

Thanksgiving also enables us to empathize with others, giving us greater insight into their struggles and strengthening our prayers. By thanking God for the progress already made, we declare His faithfulness and encourage our spirits to keep interceding.

Overcoming Obstacles to Gratitude

It’s natural to struggle with gratitude when faced with unanswered prayers or challenging situations. Negative thoughts and feelings can cloud our perspective, making it hard to see God’s hand at work. However, gratitude is always a choice.

Satan often comes to discourage us, planting lies that make us doubt the power of prayer. At the same time, the Holy Spirit reminds us of God’s Word and encourages us to thank Him. While it may not always feel easy, we must choose the Spirit by choosing thanksgiving. When we do, we overcome the obstacles to gratitude and align ourselves with the truth of God’s promises.

To stay grounded in gratitude:

Focus on God’s character and promises rather than circumstances.

Revisit past victories as reminders of His faithfulness.

Speak declarations of thanksgiving, even when you don’t feel it—your words can realign your heart.

Embracing Gratitude for a Year of Fruitful Prophetic Intercession

As intercessors, we carry the burdens of the world into God’s presence. But thanksgiving allows us to do so with joy and confidence, knowing that God is faithful to answer. By embracing gratitude, we strengthen our prayers, guard our hearts, and build a foundation for fruitful prophetic intercession in the year ahead.

Looking Ahead: Sustaining Gratitude and Its Transformative Effects

Gratitude isn’t a one-time act; it’s a discipline that transforms our perspective and our prayers. As we carry this attitude into 2025, let it shape how we approach every prayer, every burden, and every victory. Through thanksgiving, we align with God’s heart and see His hand move in miraculous ways.

Commit to Gratitude and Intercession

Let’s make 2025 a year of gratitude and intercession. Reflect on what God has done, thank Him for His faithfulness, and trust Him for the victories yet to come. Together, let’s use thanksgiving as a tool to shift atmospheres and bring God’s will to earth.

Are you ready to embrace gratitude and stand in the gap this year? Join us in intercession for nations, communities, and individuals, and let’s watch God do more than we could ask or imagine. Send an email to admin@wgnalliance.com for more information

STAY BLESSED!