Have You Thanked God today

Have You Thanked God Today?
Hebrews 13:15-16 “By Him (Jesus) therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
We praise God with song in service and speech and we can do none without thanking Him. Thanking God is a sacrifice of our gratitude for what He has done in and for us.
We are called to give praise to God and we must do that continually. Each time we sing His praises we are to give thanks. And, most importantly, it is only praise when it is by Jesus. Without Him where would we be?
We come to God with all sorts of request. I was thinking what percentage of the time we are talking to God is spent in thanksgiving? What is the first thing you say when you start to pray? Is it Please or Thank You? Is it our petition for want or need or is it gratitude we most often bring before God?
We most certainly must make our needs known, ask and ye shall receive, the Bible instructs. It also instructs us to praise God. We cannot properly praise His name unless we bring with us at prayer time conscious, grateful words of praise and thanksgiving for all He has done for us.
Praise, grateful praise, is not an exercise of duty. Grateful praise comes from a heart that is truly thankful for grace, provision and strength.
For what should we be the most grateful for, our home, our church, our family, our health? While all these are of vital interest without Jesus in the center we only have material gain. By whose authority and grace are we saved, and allowed to come into the presence of almighty God? It is by the name that is above every name, that name is Jesus. We are to call out in His name, sing praises in His name and give thanks for what he has done for us. It is by Jesus, and for Jesus, that our greatest thanks should be offered up to God.
When was the last time you prayed just a prayer of thanks and really meant it? Prayed a prayer of thanksgiving without attaching several petitions. Just said God I just want to tell you how much I love you and just wanted to say thanks.
Psalms 63:3, “Because thy loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee.
Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be known unto God.”
Have you thanked God today?