“You can’t only pray to God to ask for things, you also have to take the time to thank God,” my Rabbi taught my 6th grade Hebrew school class. Those words are forever etched in my mind. I quickly shifted from praying for help before every test to offering prayers of gratitude after the tests that went well.

In this week’s parashah, Moses continues his speech to the people of Israel, and upon a closer reread, echoes the lesson my Rabbi shared many years ago. Moses promises the people of Israel that as long as they follow the commandments, they will live a wonderful life of abundance and make it to the promise land. This land will be overflowing with wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, and honey, the seven species. It will be a place of abundance, free from hunger and want. But there is also a warning that if the commandments aren’t followed, then you will perish.

One of the commandments is “when you have eaten your fill, give thanks to your God for the good land given to you.” (Deut. 8:10) This verse is the basis for the Birkat Hamazon, the grace after meal (and you can find this exact verse in the Birkat Hamazon). Rabbi Meir Simcha Hakohen (an Eastern European scholar 1843-1926) explains that when you are hungry and in need it is simple to turn to God and ask, but it is harder to remember to turn to God when you are full after a satisfying meal.

We are reminded that prayer isn’t only reserved for times of struggle as a source of hope, but prayer can also be a token of gratitude that helps to humble us. What rituals or practices help you remind yourself to share gratitude not just during challenging times, but especially during times of abundance?