As our national observance of Thanksgiving approaches, it is good for us to reflect on the importance of giving thanks to God in our prayers. When we pray, very often our focus is on prayers of petition and intercession. Prayers of petition are when we ask God for something for ourselves, such as petitioning for the grace to overcome a bad habit or vice. Prayers expressing repentance and asking forgiveness for sins are also prayers of petition. Prayers of intercession are when we ask God for something for someone else, such as praying for the health and recovery of a sick friend or relative. These forms of prayer tend to predominate because of our natural tendency to be anxious and preoccupied about matters that trouble and concern us. So from time to time we need to be reminded of the other types of prayer as well, including prayers of blessing, prayers of praise and prayers of thanksgiving.