Every Jewish holiday has special prayers associated with it.
Usually the prayers are added to the section of the worship service about holiness. Chanukkah, however, is different.
The special Chanukkah readings are added to the prayer of thanksgiving. Why?
The first reason is to express gratitude for the miracle God performed 2000 years ago. God delivered our spiritual ancestors from forced idolatry.
The second is more subtle. Gratitude requires openness, and prayer is a way of opening up our souls.
If we are not open to God’s presence during prayer, how can we open to God’s miracles in everyday life? Chanukkah reminds us to open up our spirits. Believe in miracles so that you may experience them.
Our ancestors did. So can we.
In other words, miracles do not only depend on God. They also depend on us.