Can Practicing Gratitude be the same as Praying?

I was remembering many years back when my mother would perform Puja / prayers every evening . I sat googly eyed , seeing the colourful Gods shinning in the light of the candles . The delicate  smell of the incense sticks , the sound of the bells and the handpicked  flowers seemed to bring the whole family in one space , in unity,

we sang together we thanked God for everything we had. we stayed present to each other . we stayed in a positive state because of the love from family  and community ( during festivals ) Today we don’t sit for prayers as often but have a gratitude session before dinner . It has a similar feeling like that of the prayers . We sit together, hear each other’s thoughts which often leads to a conversation about each other’s lives . The feeling is warm , positive and of togetherness . It pushes us to thank the universe for so many small and big happenings in our day to day lives . The energy seems similar, a positive one but without the smells, lights and colours . You can try being grateful for in so many different way  . This can be fun and not a task- It's not happy people who are thankful, its thankful people who are happy.

Making a gratitude diary ( use your phone) Or Having a gratitude practice with family before a meal . Or While putting kids to sleep , share your gratitudes Or Send one gratitude message to family or friend . Or

Use daily habits to trigger gratitude practice like brushing teeth or having breakfast as soon as your alarm rings as triggers to remind you of of atleast 5 things you are grateful for . ( one for each finger ) Gratitude is the healthiest of all emotions.The more you express Gratitude for what you have, the more likely you have even more to express gratitude for

- Zig Ziglar