In the moments when I sit down to eat, I make it a practice to express thanksgiving through prayer, unless I'm overcome by intense hunger and forget. Often, a few bites into my meal, the realization strikes that I neglected to offer thanks for the daily sustenance graciously provided by God. Some might question the necessity of giving thanks every time we eat, but I reflect on the example set by Jesus. When he presented food to the multitudes and his disciples, he did so with thankfulness. Yet, this reflection isn't solely about prayer; it's about embracing a state of continuous thanksgiving.

It's about recognizing God as the Lord over my life, the ultimate sustainer. Whether we've worked, paid for our meals, or tended to our gardens, the underlying truth is that God is the ultimate provider. Consider this – no plant can grow without seed and soil. God not only provides the seed but also creates the optimal conditions for fertile soil to nourish that seed. He offers the means to purchase food, provides the essential water – be it rain, river, or well – to sustain the plants. The list goes on.

Often, we overlook the everyday blessings in our prayers because they've become routine aspects of life, like food, shelter, and clothing. We never want to reach a point where we take these essentials for granted. This is why cultivating a spirit of thanksgiving in our daily lives is crucial. It's not about expecting God to fulfill our needs automatically, but rather acknowledging that we depend on Him for our daily provisions. We ask for our needs, and in His love, He responds, meeting those needs. Our role is to respond with gratitude, recognizing His hand in the seemingly mundane aspects of life.