6 Prayers of Thankfulness
Pray these 6 Prayers of Thankfulness to fight discontent and discouragement with gratitude and thanks that bring more joy, peace, and contentment.
A heart of gratitude doesn’t come from an easy life. Some of the most grateful people I know have suffered greatly, going through trials I can’t even imagine.
When life is difficult, it’s not always easy to “just” feel grateful. But Scripture reminds us that there is always something that we can give thanks for in every circumstance.
If you are looking for ways to incorporate thankfulness in your prayer life or would like to reflect more on the different ways that you can give thanks to God, meditating on God’s Word and praying prayers of thankfulness are the best place to start.
6 Prayers of Thankfulness
1. Prayer of Thanks in All Circumstances
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your faithfulness in every situation. I know that life may not always feel pleasant and that the pain that I endure is temporary. Thank You for the hope that I have in Christ, that gives me a reason to rejoice each day.
Please help me to look to You in every situation, in hard times, and in times of joy and pleasure. Remind me of Your will, which is to give thanks in every circumstance.
In the moments when it feels as though my joy has been lost, I ask that You would fill me with Your joy that is not circumstantial but that is dependent on the ever present and steadfast character and presence of Christ.
When it is hard to see my blessings, I ask that You would open my eyes to the many good things that You have done, and continue to do. Thank You for Your love, and for my Savior Christ. In Jesus’ name, amen.
2. Prayer to Abound in Thanksgiving
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” – Colossians 2:6-7
Lord,
I can’t imagine where I would be today if You hadn’t stretched Your arm out to me. Thank You for Your mercies that are new each morning, and for the kindness that You show me, especially the things I don’t often remember to be thankful for.
Please forgive me for the many times when I have grumbled and complained, while overlooking the many ways that You have shown me grace, and blessed me.
My prayer is that You would help me to grow and stand firm in my faith. Help me to not live my life in the flesh, and the ever changing feelings that come with being human, instead, help me to fix my eyes on Christ and live my life in Him.
Please help me to be rooted in Christ, and have my foundation in Him. Fill me with the fruit of Your Spirit, and with thankfulness. May that thankfulness overflow, and be a blessing to those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Prayer to Give Praise to God
“Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.” – Psalm 103:1-4
Mighty God,
There is no one like You in all the earth. Your wisdom cannot be fathomed, Your love is eternal, and Your power is unmatched. The reality that I get to have a relationship with You is something that I don’t ever want to take for granted.
When I think of all the times when I couldn’t see a way forward, I remember You lifting me up, and placing my feet on steady ground. When I have fallen, and have turned from You to sin, You have been merciful and forgiving, washing away my sin.
In the darkest nights, You have been my light, Lord. All I can do is praise You! Thank You for rescuing me, and for crowning me with love and compassion.
Thank You for Your mercies that are new each morning. Thank You that there is nothing that can separate me from Your love in Christ, not life or death, any powers, or anything else in all creation. In Jesus’ name, amen.
4. Prayer to Give Thanks to God for His Goodness
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
God,
How can I ever thank You enough for Your goodness towards me? The thought that I am not here at random, but that You thought of me, and had me in mind long before You created the world is humbling and mind blowing.
There is not a day on this earth that I will live that You are not aware of my every thought and my every deed. Though You see every part of me Lord, Your love for me never changes and remains steadfast.
Thank You for Your goodness, and the love You have shown me in Christ. Thank You that I can turn to You in every situation, and find rest in You. Thank You for the love that You have shown me, and for the way Your love is changing me each day.
Please help me to live each day with a heart of gratitude, and to not only live in the knowledge of Your love towards me, but to share that love with those around me. In Jesus’ name, amen.
5. Prayer to Give Thanks to God for Being Near
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:4-7
Lord,
Where can I go where You aren’t present? Even in the deepest corners of my heart, in the darkest depths of my hurt, or in times of confusion, I can find You there, ever present, ready to lead me on the path when I have lost my way.
Thank You for being near to me, especially in times when my heart has been broken, and for mending it back together. Thank You for hearing my cry, and for caring for my needs, and the things that weigh heavy on my heart.
Sometimes it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by life and crumble in anxiety and fear. But when I trust in You, I don’t have to fear. Please remind me that there is nothing too great for You. Help me to hide in You, and not turn away in fear.
Please remove any anxiety that is in me, and help me to bring those burdensome thoughts and loads to You in prayer. Help me to seek Your face in every situation, and to live each day with thankfulness and joy.
Help me to remember that I have so much reason to rejoice because You have been good to me. Please fill me with Your peace that passes all understanding, and guard my heart and mind. In Jesus’ name, amen.
6. Prayer of Thanksgiving for God’s People
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:15-17
Lord,
I’m so grateful for the new life that You have blessed me with in Christ. Thank You that I am not alone in my faith, but that You have given me brothers and sisters in Christ all around the world.
I want to thank You for the people that You have placed in my life who have drawn me closer to You. Thank You for the body of Christ and all the unique qualities and gifts that each person brings.
My prayer is that You would help us to come together in peace, rather than strive and cause division. Remind us that You’ve called us to peace, and that that peace is found in our union in Christ.
Help us to admonish and build one another up. May we do this with gratitude in our hearts, as we remember the work of Christ on the cross and His love for us.
May all we do, both in our speech and in our deeds be done in the name of Christ, and for His glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
