Actor Denzel Washington recently spoke to the college graduates of Dillard University, and during his commencement speech, he urged the 218 students in attendance to "put God first in everything you do."

Relevant Magazine obtained the speech made by the Flight and American Gangster actor, in which he stressed the importance of God and prayer.

"Everything that I have is by the grace of God, understand that. It's a gift. I didn't always stick with Him, but He stuck with me," he said.

At the same time, Washington told the students not to "be afraid to fail big" and to always remember that working is not about "how much money you make, you can't take it with you."

Whatever people might be going through in their lives, what is important is that they give the glory to God, he contended. There are so many things in life people can be grateful for, according to the actor, and they should take the time out to thank God for bountiful blessings.

"While you're on your knees, say thank you. Thank you for grace, thank you for mercy, thank you for understanding, thank you for wisdom, thank you for parents, thank you for love, thank you for kindness, thank you for humility, thank you for peace, thank you for prosperity," he said.

Washington even said that people should thank God in advance for what is already theirs. "True desire in the heart for anything good is God's proof to you sent beforehand that it's already yours," he explained.

Then after saying thanks, the next step is to help and bless someone else. "When you get it, reach back, pull someone else up," he encouraged.

Washington is a devout Christian who reads the Bible every day. At one point in his life, he even seriously considered becoming a preacher as opposed to being a Hollywood star.