The very first type of prayer is the Prayer of Supplication, that is the humble asking for the gifts of heaven and the disposition to receive them. It is important to point out that when we offer such a prayer we should also be aware for the need to include a request to be truly disposed to receive the requested gifts. This means that we must also ask God to open our hearts and minds so that we might be able to receive His gifts in a worthy  manner – that we might be people who want to live like His children.

One of the proper dispositions that we must develop as we pray is that of gratitude for all the things we have been given – that also includes the challenges and struggles that are a natural part of this earthly existence. When we do this, we profess our belief that life, because of God’s great love for us, delivers the most appropriate opportunities to help us to spiritually grow. When we dismiss the events of life and see them as negative, we miss the meaning and purpose of this earthly existence. We are placed here at this particular point in history to learn how to be truly be the human beings that God intended when He created us with the help of other humans. This is the attitude of the mind and heart that we must have if we are to enter into real communication with God our Father and Creator.

Think about it. How can God positively respond to our supplications when we are not grateful for the life He has given us? When we are not grateful, we tell God, in so many words, that we don’t like what He created and want Him to change it. This, in effect, tells Him that we don’t think He did a good job and that we are not satisfied with what He has given us.  I know this may not be easy when we are hurting and seriously challenged. That is why it behooves us to become accustomed to offering thanksgiving to God when we are not challenged seriously by life. Integrate gratitude into your daily life. Let God know that you are thankful for the life He has given you.