In the concluding pages of Chapter 3 of One Thousand Gifts, author Ann Voskamp speaks about how giving thanks for the most minute or microscopic blessings enables God to grow within us. Ann describes this as the other side of prayer:
“This act of naming grace moments, this list of God’s gifts, moves beyond the shopping list variety of prayer and into the other side. The other side of prayer, the interior of His throne room, the inner walls of His powerful, love-beating heart. This list is God’s list, the pulse of His love- the love that thrums on the other side of our prayers. . . . It really is a a dare to name all the ways God loves me. The true Love Dare. To move into His presence and listen to His love unending and know the grace uncontainable.”
Ann adds that in order for prayer to be effective, it first must speak thanks. When we are able to receive life with thanks, yet ask for nothing to change, we will be transformed.
“In everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”- Philippians 4:6
