Stepping Stones: Please and Thank You

Transformational Tip
There was a hamburger joint that we all loved to visit as kids; the Rainbow Inn. The owner, Oliver, ran the place and was the one who took the orders at the front window. Oliver had an annoying habit; he always made the children say Please and Thank You. No “please”, no “thank you”…no hamburger. I always thought it was strange having to say please and thank you for getting stuff I had to actually pay for. In retrospect, it was positive reinforcement for the lessons I was learning at home. Showing me that I am not entitled to anything, am dependent on others for the items I need and want, and should always be thankful for anything I get. We could use some more Olivers in the world to reinforce these principles today.
Our prayers should also include “please” and “thank you”.
Today, when you bring your prayer requests to God, speak clearly and candidly… lay out your concerns. Pour your heart out. Then immediately thank Him for the answers that He has already set in motion. When your requests come to mind again, continue thanking God for the answers that are on their way. If you keep just repeating your concerns you will live in a state of tension. When you followup your request by thanking Him for how he is already answering your prayer, your mindset becomes much more positive…because you are aware of the reality of His action for you. Thankful prayers keep your focus on Him. Click here to share with the Stepping Stones community your thoughts on prayers including please and thank you.

Prayer
Dear Father God, This is Your world Father. You made it and control it. I relinquish all control into Your hands…I trust You completely. I thank You Father for the gift of receptivity that You have planted in my heart. I thank You for the answers to my prayers that are already on their way. I pray in the name of the one whose name we are called to pray, Christ Jesus; and all God’s children said - AMEN!

The Truth
Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving.
Colossians 4:2
As His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
2 Peter 1:3-4
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving, and perform your vows to the Most High, and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me."
Psalm 50:14,15