People know how to take blessings but often do not know how to give thanks to the Person granting the Blessing. Instead, our prayers often sound like a someone typing a program for the computer: For example, we might write: "God, the following is my needs and wants. Please forward them to me immediately as I press ENTER." I have news for you - God is a Person! Whereas He is Kind and Fatherly, He needs Thanks, Praise, and our affection.

Listen to what the Psalm Writer says (Psalm 70, KJV):

"Make haste, O God, to deliver me; make haste to help me, O Lord.
"Let them be ashamed and confounded that seek after my soul: let them be turned backward, and put to confusion, that desire my hurt.
"Let them be turned back for a reward of shame that say, 'Aha, aha.'
"Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, let God be magnified.
"But I am poor and needy: make haste unto me, O God: thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, make no tarrying."

The writer of the Psalm was a Jewish King. He asked for God's Help in keeping his throne safe in the yearly wars. He recognized his status before God ("poor and needy" which was a spiritual condition -- his financial wealth was considerable!) -- but he took time to rejoice and be glad in God and offer Him Praise.

Many Believers in history after that king's lifetime stopped 100 times a day to offer praise to God! We might not do that today - most churches do not make that a requirement - but it would not hurt us to talk praise instead of talking defeat.

This page offers the following suggestions:

1. Establish a personal relationship with God, and then become baptized in water in the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

2. Begin to study the Word of God to determine how to live with a Holy, and Sinless God. He will help you understand the Word of God -- The Bible -- if you ask Him. He will help you to learn what His Standards are and help you begin to live an increasingly more holy life. (See I John 1: 1-10).

3. Look for the Return of Jesus Christ.

4. Embark on a journey toward the Foot of the Cross. This becomes a Way of Life: of conversation with God, and His Son, Jesus the Christ.

5. Establish a habit of private continuing prayer and praise at home. This helps with the hard times when your soul rebels against the foolishness that often accompanies mortal living.

6. Establish a habit of public worship with other believers. The New Testament Writer said, "Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together as the manner of some is".

7. Practice what God teaches you at home, at school, at work and during vacation and times of relaxation. Be consistant.

8. Find someone to pray for - and pray for that person like you would want that person to pray for you. Then begin to offer praise to God for that person. Every time that person's name or appearance enters your mind, pray and praise God!

"I thank God upon every remembrance of you" New Testament -- Apostle Paul

9. Establish a special time for personal prayer and praise every day. Never miss! If circumstances become impossible - they generally will - find a way to make it happen.

10. As early as possible, establish a family prayer and praise time. If your circumstances prevent this, contact your pastor or write one of us for advice.

11. Be sure that your praise list exceeds your want list. How would you like to have someone always asking and never thanking or praising you for your kindnesses? God does not have to help us. He does because He loves us. "And herein commendeth the love of God for us in that while we were yet His enemies, Christ died for us!" - New Testament

12. Share your new found friend with someone. God will never turn anyone away that genuinely approaches Him in repentance - asking Him for cleansing of sin and to become the person's God, Parent, and Friend. More than fifty years ago Dr. Charles P. Grier, (Pastor Charlie), introduced me to Jesus Christ. Jesus is now my best friend. I recommend Him highly!

Dr. John M. Grier, Sr.

John is Pastor Charlie's eldest son and serves as webmaster for God's Answer, Inc.