Not acknowledging the merits received from and through others is considered the greatest sin. Life and breath, spouse and children, family and friends, opportunities and jobs, health and happiness, everything is given. The giver is forgotten and unacknowledged. Paul warns and admonishes us of the sin of forgetfulness of the gifts we receive continuously from the Divine Creator. "What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?”(1 Cor 4:7) Humility is required to proclaim and announce that everything we enjoy came from the blessing hands of God. Thanksgiving and praise bring us closer to the divine presence which would bring showers of blessing more and more. David, who danced and praised and composed hymns of thanksgiving, shares the mystery of enjoying the divine presence by praising Him continuously, "But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel." (Ps 22:3) Let's practice the art of gratitude that is expected, questioned, and demanded as in Luke 17:17 to the healed, "Where are the other nine?"

Abba, bless me with the heart of gratitude that praises You for ever and ever. Let your Spirit help me praise You. Amen.