"Prayer, it must be noted, does involve at times a confession of guilt and a supplication of pardon, but a routine and formal confession in all prayers reduces praying to a meaningless routine. Thanksgiving too is essential to prayer, but not merely as a prelude to what we feel is important for us. If we are not thankful, we should say so, seek God's pardon, and ask for His grace to conquer our grief and rebellion by His power."