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Every prayer should be blended with gratitude, without the perfume of which, the incense of devotion lacks one element of fragrance. The sense of need, or the consciousness of sin, may evoke "strong crying and tears," but the completest prayer rises confident from a grateful heart, which weaves memory into hope, and asks much because it has received much. A true recognition of the lovingkindness of the past has much to do with making our communion sweet, our desires believing, our submission cheerful. Thankfulness is the feather that wings the arrow of prayer — the height from which our souls rise most easily to the sky.

(A. Maclaren, D. D.)

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KJV: Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving;

WEB: Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving;