10 Verses About Gratitude

Someone at the Thanksgiving table will probably ask what everyone is thankful for. If you're like me, a few answers come to mind right away. Family. Friends. The person who got up early to put the turkey in the oven.

Then there are the things we almost forgot. The friend who called when we needed it. The meal someone brought when we were too tired to cook. The prayer God answered in a way we didn't expect.

Scripture helps us slow down long enough to remember those gifts and thank the One who gave them. Here are ten verses to read this Thanksgiving.

1. Psalm 100:4

"Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise."

The psalmist describes thanksgiving as part of how we come before God. Before you ask Him for anything at the table this year, tell Him what you're thankful for. Name something specific.

2. Psalm 103:2

"My soul, bless the LORD, and do not forget all his benefits."

What were you praying about last Thanksgiving? Think back to what you were carrying then. You may remember a way God cared for you this year that you'd already stopped thinking about.

3. James 1:17

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights."

Look around the table. Someone grew the food. Someone bought it. Someone cooked it. You can thank each of them and thank God for the many ways He provided through their work.

4. Luke 17:15

"But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God."

Ten people were healed. One turned back to give thanks. Is there someone who helped you this year and never heard how much it meant? Thanksgiving is a good day to make that call.

5. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

"Give thanks in everything."

Some Thanksgiving tables have an empty chair this year. If that's yours, you can tell God how much it hurts and thank Him for the person you miss. Both belong in the same prayer.

6. Philippians 4:6

"In everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."

You may be wondering how you'll pay a bill that's due next week. Bring that concern to God. As you pray, remember one way He's helped you before. You can ask for what you need today while thanking Him for how He's cared for you already.

7. Colossians 3:15

"And be thankful."

Paul gives this instruction as he calls believers to live together in peace. At a gathering where old disagreements can resurface, look for something you genuinely appreciate about the person across from you. Then tell them.

8. Hebrews 13:15

"Through him therefore let us continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise."

Through Jesus, we can praise God on Thanksgiving morning and on an ordinary Tuesday. Try giving thanks for one thing on your way to work or before you turn out the light.

9. 2 Corinthians 9:11

"You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us."

Think of someone who could use a meal, an invitation, or a little help this week. What God has entrusted to you can become part of what someone else thanks Him for.

10. Psalm 136:1

"Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good. His faithful love endures forever."

You may have a long list of reasons to give thanks this year. You may have to sit quietly for a while before one comes to mind. Either way, you can begin where the psalmist does. Thank God for who He is and for the love He keeps showing you.

Scripture excerpts are from the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).