Enter thankful

“Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.”

Psalm 100:4 (KJV)

What does this mean?

This is a short psalm of praise, written for people coming to worship God. It invites them to come through the temple gates with thanks, and into the courts with songs of praise. The invitation is simple: come to God thankful, honor his name, and let praise be the way you walk in.

What does this teach us?

Thankfulness is the way in. The psalm does not say to come with a perfect record or a perfect mood; it says to come with thanks, and that thanksgiving is what opens the door into God's presence.

How can we apply this?

Before you pray about anything else today, enter with thanks. Name three things you are grateful for, say them out loud to God, and let thankfulness be the first word of your prayer instead of the last.

Related KJV passages

“O give thanks unto the LORD ; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.”
1 Chronicles 16:34
“O give thanks unto the LORD , for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.”
Psalm 107:1
“This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24

Reflection

What three things can you thank God for before you ask him for anything else today?

Prayer

Father, I come into your presence with thanks. Thank you for all you have given me, for who you are, and for the gift of coming to you — I bless your name today. Amen.