Give thanks during prayer
Be grateful for blessings- Teach gratitude to children
" `One of the greatest sins of which the inhabitants of the earth are guilty today is the sin of ingratitude,' " said Elder Lloyd P. George of the Seventy in his Saturday afternoon address as he quoted President Joseph F. Smith.
"I presume most of us have not thought of that as a serious sin," Elder George continued. "There is a great tendency for us in our prayers - in our pleadings with the Lord - to ask for additional blessings. Sometimes, I feel, we need to devote more of our prayers to expressions of gratitude and thanksgiving for blessings already received. Of course, we need the daily blessings of the Lord. But, if we sin in the matter of prayer, I think it is in our lack of expressing thanksgiving for daily blessings."
Again quoting President Smith, Elder George declared, " `God is not pleased with the inhabitants of the earth but is angry with them because they will not acknowledge His hand in all things.' "
Elder George related the "classic example of ingratitude" in Luke 17:11-19 - the account of Christ healing the lepers, with only one of 10 returning to express gratitude. Elder George then told those listening: "I publicly express my gratitude," and then spoke of many things for which he was grateful.
"I am grateful this day to be able to testify to you that I know and understand the plan of our Father, that I can accept it with dedication and with thanksgiving knowing the plan and the purposes for us being here on earth.
"I am grateful that the Lord loves us so much that He has allowed His Only Begotten Son to be sacrificed for us.
"I am also grateful for Joseph Smith - the Prophet who is, was and always will be a prophet of God . . . .
"I am grateful that the Lord has allowed me the great privilege and opportunity of being in His service.
"I am grateful for the things which I have suffered in the flesh, which have been blessings in my life that have taught me patience, long-suffering, faith and a sensitivity to those who are less fortunate.
"Grateful I am for a loving, eternal companion who loves the Lord and understands His plan. She is a woman with great patience and understanding.
"I am grateful that I have had this time to sit in council with those who have responsibility for the kingdom of our Father here on the earth.
"How blessed I am for the privilege of associating with the Saints throughout the world! This has brought joy and satisfaction, even a strengthening of my testimony, as to how the Lord works.
"God help us to be grateful for our blessings, never to be guilty of the sin of ingratitude, and to instill this same gratitude into the lives of our children."