I can't remember the last time friends or family started the conversation about thanks...usually it's the opposite. Yes, prayer regarding religion is freestyle asking for better circumstances too often. Thanking is about transcending the self, and about taking a humble assessment of the good in one's life. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. GobblegobbleI thanked you, last post, Bob, but no thank you from you, for my thank you? Ain't we friends no more? Chuckles. Being thankful to be alive transcends (oops, big word) religion, doesn't it?