Please and Thank You
First Published July 29, 2009
I Peter 5:6
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time…"
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…”
**** ****
In the course of growing up my parents were instrumental in teaching me two phrases by which I could properly make requests. They stand out as seemingly magical, and they are often able to soften hearts and hold a person’s attention. You know them. They were “please” and “thank you.”
Granted, some of us didn’t have parents who, after you asked for a treat like a cookie, stood there dumbfounded waiting with an inquiring gaze, until you came up with the magic words. But by the time we became adults, we had learned that these two phrases were very powerful.
The thing that may have been completely missed, though, is the basis upon which these phrases exist. “Please” is a plea or begging emphasis. Beseech. To truthfully plea verbally, you must plea in your heart. This is called humbling yourself. So I believe that “please” is a complex reflection of an earnest plea. “Thank you” is a directed acknowledgement of gratefulness, particularly after receiving something, deserved or otherwise.
The sad part though, is that even under the guise of politeness, these phrases are not uttered enough. We won’t grind our time with stories of rudeness and selfishness. My focus today is us making a difference in our life and in the lives of others.
So the change will begin with us. Let’s included these two phrases in our requests and notice how they make a difference in how others respond. You may also want to share with others how “please” and “thank you” put you in a proper frame of spirit when you present requests to the Lord in prayer. Would you today put forth an extra effort in this? Please? Thank you.
**** ****
Dear Lord, we know that words are powerful. Without them, Man could not know about you, your Son, and your plan of eternal salvation. Please help us today to influence someone by using “please” and “thank you.” We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyright 2009 Karen Vaughn
I Peter 5:6
"Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
that He may exalt you in due time…"
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you…”
**** ****
In the course of growing up my parents were instrumental in teaching me two phrases by which I could properly make requests. They stand out as seemingly magical, and they are often able to soften hearts and hold a person’s attention. You know them. They were “please” and “thank you.”
Granted, some of us didn’t have parents who, after you asked for a treat like a cookie, stood there dumbfounded waiting with an inquiring gaze, until you came up with the magic words. But by the time we became adults, we had learned that these two phrases were very powerful.
The thing that may have been completely missed, though, is the basis upon which these phrases exist. “Please” is a plea or begging emphasis. Beseech. To truthfully plea verbally, you must plea in your heart. This is called humbling yourself. So I believe that “please” is a complex reflection of an earnest plea. “Thank you” is a directed acknowledgement of gratefulness, particularly after receiving something, deserved or otherwise.
The sad part though, is that even under the guise of politeness, these phrases are not uttered enough. We won’t grind our time with stories of rudeness and selfishness. My focus today is us making a difference in our life and in the lives of others.
So the change will begin with us. Let’s included these two phrases in our requests and notice how they make a difference in how others respond. You may also want to share with others how “please” and “thank you” put you in a proper frame of spirit when you present requests to the Lord in prayer. Would you today put forth an extra effort in this? Please? Thank you.
**** ****
Dear Lord, we know that words are powerful. Without them, Man could not know about you, your Son, and your plan of eternal salvation. Please help us today to influence someone by using “please” and “thank you.” We pray this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Copyright 2009 Karen Vaughn
posted by Karen Vaughn | 8:39 AM
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