In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (I Thess.5:18)
Thanksgiving and gratitude is a heartfelt joyous recognition of the divine benevolence and mercy toward us, unworthy ones, shown by Him freely and testified by our heart and mouth. — St. Tikhon of Zadonsk
Prayer is the fruit of joy and thankfulness.– Evagrios the Solitary
Bring before your eyes the blessings, whether physical or spiritual, conferred on you from the beginning of your life down to the present, and call them repeatedly to mind in accordance with the words: ‘Forget not all His benefits’ (Ps. 102:2). Then your heart will readily be moved to the fear and love of God, so that you repay Him, as far as you can. by your strict life, virtuous conduct, devout conscience, wise speech, true faith and humility – in short, by dedicating your whole self to God. When you are moved by the recollection of all these blessings which you have received through God’s loving goodness, your heart will be spontaneously wounded with longing and love through this recollection or, rather, with the help of divine grace —St. Mark the Ascetic