Are you from the generation of writing Thank You cards? I am. As with many things, technology has replaced the “old way” with the “new way”. Don’t misunderstand me. I am grateful for the ease and availability of email and texts. To be able to reach out to someone in a matter of seconds is amazing. But what about the hand written letters and thank you cards of old?

When I was growing up, my Mom made my sister and I write out a thank you card for every Christmas and birthday gift we received. And they had to be in the mail within a week. That became such a habit, I even had all our wedding gift thank you cards mailed within 2 weeks after we returned from our honeymoon. I believe that was proper etiquette in those days. 

I think the curtesy of thanking someone before asking for more is common for most people. But what about prayers? The bible tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 (emphasis mine). I pray to our Lord a lot. Every day, multiple times a day. But I am embarrassed to admit that many of my initial prayers first thing in the morning are focused on my fears, my worries, current situations both personally and globally. They are what weigh heavy on my heart and are foremost on my mind. I lay my prayers before Him. But isn’t that the same as asking for more gifts before saying thank you for the gifts I have already received? Thinking in those terms makes me appear so ungrateful.

I have so many gifts from God that I treasure. His never ending love, His forgiveness, His grace, His guidance, His wisdom, His gift of free will just to name a few. And then there is my family, my friends, good health and answered prayers which I am grateful for. These are just a few gifts He has given me. 

As God is the greatest gift giver of all, He deserves to receive my thank you cards every day. Now each morning I set my gratitude prayers before Him first. 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  Philippians 4:6

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever.”  Psalm 107:1

“Let us give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for men.” Psalm 107:8

For years, people have asked me to pray for them and their intentions. I feel honored and humbled with these requests. If you have a concern weighing heavy on your heart, please connect with me on my Prayer Request page (found in the Main Menu). I would be honored to add you to my prayers. I promise your words will be confidential.

If my story resonates with you I would love to hear your comments below.