“And I said, Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then would I fly away, and be at rest” (Psalm 55:6).

In verses one through five of this psalm, David relates his bitter and fearful experience. He pleads with God to hear his prayer because of the enemy who is oppressing him.

“But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:4,5).

“Fervent in spirit; serving the Lord” (Romans 12:11).

“The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).

Nehemiah is a great Old Testament illustration of this New Testament promise. He was a man of fervent prayer, one who prayed without ceasing.

“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers” (I Thessalonians 1:2).

Thanksgiving and prayer are inseparably joined together in the Scriptures. Those who truly pray will be thankful, and those who are thankful will express this to God in prayer.