One day God summoned the Archangel Raphael, Gabriel, and Michael and said, “Go to and frow across the earth and collect all the prayers of man.” So, they flew down and crisscrossed the globe collecting prayers in baskets and presented them to their Master.
Raphael approached first and his basket was overflowing, because he gathered all the prayers of those making requests: “Give me this” and “I need that.” Gabriel was next and his basket was less than half as full because he collected prayers in which people said “Thank You” for their manifold gifts and blessings. Lastly, Michael came forward and, sadly, his basket contained the fewest prayers, since he only gathered those which glorified and praised God.
Do not allow your prayer life to be self-centered, self-serving, and all about you; give glory and praise to the Lord first. Be like the angels who continuously sing “Holy, Holy, Holy!” before the Throne of God; and then, and only then, dare to make your requests and offer thanksgiving.
