Thanksgiving in prayer is about saying thank you to God. The Psalmist writes: “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all of His benefits.” ( Psalm 103:2)
Thankfulness is not an option. It is a vital aspect of God’s desire for our lives. Paul writes: “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Jesus Christ for you” (Thessalonians 5:18) Sometimes we act as if we are self-made or independent. Paul wrote to some Christians in Corinth who may have been thinking this way. “What do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?” (I Corinthians 4:7)
When we begin to express our thanks and gratitude to God, our attitude often changes. We become more appreciative, more aware, and more grateful for the little things of life.
Most of us are stingy affirmers. Thank of all of the many “gifts” we have received from family, friends, teachers, neighbors, teachers, coaches, and just anonymous strangers along the path of our lives. How many opportunities to say ‘thank you’ have we passed by?
Yet, our greatest case for lack of appreciation likely comes from our plain, ordinary neglect. We got busy. We were thinking about other things. We didn’t realize the importance of this great opportunity to give encouragement and appreciation to those around us.
The same happens in our relationship with God. He provides us air, good, water, family, friends, and future. He gives us all that we have…