Many ancient cultures believed that personal gods intervened in everyday life, rewarding and punishing individuals based on their deeds.

The villagers left offerings by the old bridge to appease the river gods.

Honest to gods, I would never lie about something like that.

Thank gods, the rain stopped before the wedding ceremony.

gods damn, I missed the last train.

We plan to set sail at dawn, gods willing.

The gods-fearing villagers rose at dawn to offer prayers and maintain their temple.

Her honest-to-gods apology convinced everyone she meant it.

The ex-gods wandered the ruinous temples, wondering where their worshippers had gone.

When the power went out during the storm, the neighbor's portable generator was a real gift from the gods.