My mother was a thankful woman who, although she was sick for most of her married life, never ceased to praise the Lord. My father, a shoemaker who never earned more than $12 a week, was a singing Christian.
What a precious heritage! What blessed memories! It seems that without all the gadgets and luxuries and appliances, our parents were far more thankful than we are today. Before each meal, we would ask God’s blessing and read a portion of the Bible, and after the meal we would offer thanksgiving. It is a far cry from that day to this. How little we pray—and when we do, how much of it is petition and how little is thanksgiving!
During World War II, many churches were kept open 24 hours a day so people could come and pray for loved ones on the battlefront. A caretaker in one of those churches noticed a boy who came in every day for about 10 minutes. After several weeks, the youngster came in and stayed on his knees much longer. The concerned caretaker spoke to him and asked why he was there so long. He replied, “Each day I came here for a few minutes to ask God to bring my father home safely. This morning he did, so I hurried over here to thank the Lord for answering my prayer.”
How thankful are we?
Now thank we all, our God,
With hearts and hands and voices,
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom His world rejoices. —Rinkart
Two of the most important parts of prayer are "please" and "thank you."
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