A Prayer for Thanksgiving
Today, Americans from the East to the West Coast sit down together for Thanksgiving dinner. Before carving the turkey and passing the stuffing, many take time to celebrate the blessings of the past year. We express our gratitude for promotions, friendships, proposals, and homes. However, some of us may not have much to feel grateful for this year. Instead, you might feel as if you have lost more than you have gained. But in all circumstances, it is good to give thanks for what we have been given when we remember to thank the One who has offered every good gift, including the greatest gift of His presence in our lives. No matter what has happened in your life this year, all believers have the presence of God with them forever. And that gift is greater than any other and worthy of our praise.
As you gather with family and friends today, consider reciting this prayer to give thanks to God for what He has given and even more for who He is. Even if it is not Thanksgiving Day where you live, you can still offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God. And may we all follow Paul’s exhortation to “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything” all year long (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18).
Prayer for Thanksgiving
Heavenly Father,
In all things, we praise You.
Because you are generous, we are grateful.
We thank you, God, because You have given every good gift in our lives.
We look up at the sun and thank You for its warmth.
We look down at the flowers and thank you for their beauty.
We look out at others and thank You for their friendship and care.
But all of these things are mere reflections of what we are truly thankful for—You.
You are the light that shines through our darkness, bringing warmth into our hearts.
You are the beauty we gaze upon all the days of our lives.
You are the truest friend who laid down His life for us.
Thank You, God, for Your generosity.
In all things, we are grateful to You.
Because You are faithful, we are grateful.
Even when Your people disobey, You remain with us.
You have promised to abide in us, and You never fail to keep a promise.
You will never leave, forsake, or abandon Your children.
We are secure in Christ.
We will never be alone.
We will always be with You.
Thank You, God, for Your faithfulness.
In all things, we are grateful to You.
Because You are immutable, we are grateful.
We may change, but You never do.
You will not accept us and then reject us.
You will not adopt us and then send us away.
And all of Your promises will be fulfilled.
We cannot control what will happen in the future.
We could lose friends, jobs, money, or security, but Your people will never lose You.
We can trust in You above all else.
You are constant and eternal.
Thank You, God, that You never change.
In every way and throughout every day, let us praise You.
Let all of Your people proclaim that You are faithful and unchanging.
And let all Your children wake each morning with a prayer of thanksgiving.
Thank You for Your goodness.
Amen.
Additional resources on cultivating a heart of gratitude:
