My great example of giving thanks is Jesus. He started the conversation with His Father with “Thank You”! He even tell us that He speaks the Thank You aloud so that those around Him can hear and learn how important saying “Thank You” is in any conversation with God.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see the glory of God?’ So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, ‘Father, I thank You that you have heard me. I know that you always hear me, but I say this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe ….” John11:40-42
Listen to what we normally pray making thank You conditional: God, I need this ….. I really need your help …. Do this for me …. I will be more giving and thankful if You do things for me …. Please answer my prayer requests … I really can’t be more thankful and I am anxious if You don’t do what I want and in the time frame I want ….
How different does it sound when I place Thank You as my starting point of prayer and say: ….. Jesus, Thank You for always being with me ….. I love You …… Thank You for always loving me ….. Thank You for always having my best interest at heart and doing what is best for me in every situation! …. Thank You for listening to me ….. Thank You for sooo many things! ….. I Thank You from the bottom of my heart!
THANK YOU!!!