AMEN! And God's ego does NOT need our stroking. God is WITHOUT any needs. The praises and thanksgiving OPEN US to God's Loving Presence. [Ps 22:3]

You wanna feel God closer to you? Start reminding Him of how good He has been to you. NAME those times to Him when He blessed you. NAME those people who you know that He sent into your life. NAME the many things and occasions when blessing was manifested into your presence. Again, GOD'S EGO DOES NOT NEED OUR STROKING! Giving God thanks is a beautiful SET UP! WE are the one's who get the blessing! It's a form of HEALING and spiritual GROWTH! GIVE GOD THE GLORY (Yes, sometimes it will hurt to start. DO IT ANYWAY!)

"Lord God, I remember that time when I was out of gas and started walking into town with my gas-can in my hand. And I remember you sent a Christian Brother to pick me up. And my new brother not only took me to the gas station, he also took me back to my car and made sure that I got started and got on my way. And Lord, I remember MANY of those times when I didn't have a DIME and the people at the food pantry LOADED ME UP with stuff to eat. YOU DID THAT, Precious Lord! and on and on and on..."

And don't stop! Open your heart to God with sincere THANKSGIVING AND PRAISE. You won't regret it. LOL! Prove me wrong!