For many years before and after our marriage, I was blessed by having a Christian father and a Christian father-in-law. They were so different in character but both demonstrated their relationship with God in various ways.
One example would be when they visited us, on separate occasions, on a Sunday to spend the day or part of the day with us. On leaving, one would say, “Thank you, that was lovely”. From him, that was high praise. The other however would express his appreciation several times during the day, when he left and probably phone us when home, firstly to let us know he had arrived safely and to say “Thank you” again.
I recall when I was the executor for a lady who had left specific instructions about her funeral arrangements including memorial donations. Her will included itemised gifts to churches that had been a significant influence in her life. I handed cash in envelopes to one, but mostly cheques were delivered by hand to the beneficiaries. I was amazed that in almost every case I did not receive an acknowledgement and it made me wonder why. Did all the “Thank you” letters get lost in the post, was the amount smaller than expected or was it just forgetfulness?
The heading of today’s thought is taken from Luke 17 from verse 11 and in verse 18 Jesus said, “Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?”
I find this very challenging because I am aware of how often our prayer is not only a “shopping list” (even for others) with the danger of telling God what to do, how and when! One preacher advised that if we ask God ten times for something, when prayer is answered we should at least thank Him the same number of times.
PRAYER: Sometimes, Heavenly Father, it is easier to sing our praise as part of our hymn singing, but may we be encouraged at the end of each day to review and respond to the many blessings and benefits we have received and enjoyed from You. AMEN