Dear OP, I am not a Bible Scholar or theologian but recently, I've become more aware of the significance of gratitude and praise in prayer (A.C.T.S. method).

God is NOT an egotist. He does NOT require 'manipulation' to interact with us. But sincere, heartfelt praise and thanksgiving is a special (almost magical) way for us to open ourselves to God's loving presence. Consider, Psalm 22:3. KJV

3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Christians more mature than me may recognize the ASTONISHING meaning of Psalm 22 (Jesus quoted from it from the Cross) and verse 3 is almost like a formula. My own take: "In sincere praise and thanksgiving, we open ourselves to God's loving habitation of our selves". Of course, there is no 'magic' in the Christian way of life but it really is VERY special how we can 'connect' with God through sincere praise and thanksgiving (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication).

When I'm really struggling to have praise on my lips, I thank God that HE is God and that I can trust Him. And I keep going from there; I thank God for His precious Holy Word and for His mercy and provision in my life. I thank God that He is replacing my crutches in life with more and more trust to lean on HIM and focus on HIM (instead of on my personal issues and temptations).

Believe it or not, I have NO PROBLEM giving thanks for this incredible forum to which we are privileged. I give thanks for all the wonderful Pedes and Anons that hang out here. I give thanks for our incredible MODS and I give thanks for all the prayer that's going up from here, every DAY.

With all of the nightmares going on around us every day, finding thanksgiving and praise in your heart may be a struggle. Focusing on the GOODNESS of God in Christ Jesus may be a way to help you get started. It is AMAZING to me that He can love me - in spite of my brokenness; in spite of my failures - but He DOES. And HE IS GOOD, in contrast to the hatred of the enemy!

He does not ask me to feel guilty. He offers me the chance to repent and be in fellowship with HIM. YOU are welcomed to join us! I will join you in prayer and I will ask for His sweet, loving presence to surround you and uplift you. Sometimes He can seem to be far away - but He is as close as your next heartbeat. And He loves you! AMEN!! GBY & your loved ones! Together, we MAGA-A!

Dear OP, I am not a Bible Scholar or theologian but recently, I've become more aware of the significance of gratitude and praise in prayer (A.C.T.S. method).

God is NOT an egotist. He does NOT require 'manipulation' to interact with us. But sincere, heartfelt praise and thanksgiving is a special (almost magical) way for us to open ourselves to God's loving presence. Consider, Psalm 22:3.

KJV >3 But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel.

Christians more mature than me may recognize the ASTONISHING meaning of Psalm 22 (Jesus quoted from it from the Cross) and verse 3 is almost like a formula. My own take: "In sincere praise and thanksgiving, we open ourselves to God's loving habitation of our selves". Of course, there is no 'magic' in the Christian way of life but it really is VERY special how we can 'connect' with God through sincere praise and thanksgiving (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication).

When I'm really struggling to have praise on my lips, I thank God that HE is God and that I can trust Him. And I keep going from there; I thank God for His precious Holy Word and for His mercy and provision in my life. I thank God that He is replacing my crutches in life with more and more trust to lean on HIM and focus on HIM (instead of on my personal issues and temptations).

Believe it or not, I have NO PROBLEM giving thanks for this incredible forum to which we are privileged. I give thanks for all the wonderful Pedes and Anons that hang out here. I give thanks for our incredible MODS and I give thanks for all the prayer that's going up from here, every DAY.

With all of the nightmares going on around us every day, finding thanksgiving and praise in your heart may be a struggle. Focusing on the GOODNESS of God in Christ Jesus may be a way to help you get started. It is AMAZING to me that He can love me - in spite of my brokenness; in spite of my failures - but He DOES. And HE IS GOOD, in contrast to the hatred of the enemy!

He does not ask me to feel guilty. He offers me the chance to repent and be in fellowship with HIM. YOU are welcomed to join us! I will join you in prayer and I will ask for His sweet, loving presence to surround you and uplift you. Sometimes He can seem to be far away - but He is as close as your next heartbeat. And He loves you! AMEN!! GBY & your loved ones! Together, we MAGA-A!