Chrism

“We should give thanks to Him, as it is said: ‘In everything give thanks’ (I Thess. 5:18). Closely linked to this phrase is another of St. Paul’s injunctions: ‘Pray without ceasing’ (I Thess. 5:17), that is, be mindful of God at all times, in all places, and in every circumstance. For no matter what you do, you should keep in mind the Creator of all things. When you see the light, do not forget Him who gave it to you; when you see the sky, the earth, the sea and all that is in them, marvel at these things and glorify their Creator; when you put on clothing, acknowledge whose gift it is and praise Him who in His providence has given you life. In short, if everything you do becomes for you an occasion for glorifying God, you will be praying unceasingly. And in this way your soul will always rejoice, as St. Paul commends (cf. I Thess. 5:16).”

— St. Peter of Damaskos, “Book I: A Treasury of Divine Knowledge,” The Philokalia: The Complete Text (Vol. 3)

Let us therefore always give thanks to the beneficent God, for we received everything from him, and we have nothing without him. Gratitude is a very important virtue to be cultivated by us with diligence. We should not only thank him in good times, but rather thank Him in everything, even if it appears bad – because what is bad, can be a way for spiritual growth and salvation by God’s grace. God does not need anything from us, but we need everything from Him. Our thanks adds nothing to Him, but it brings us closer to Him.