Looking for Bible verses about gratitude for kids? Here are ten you can read, pray and memorise together as a family. Each one has a simple prayer to say with your children.
At the end, you can also grab my free guide, 7 Secrets to Raising Grounded, Godly and Confident Kids Abroad.
When I think of gratitude, I remember where my own heart of gratitude began in my home church in Onitsha, Nigeria. I was born and raised in the Catholic Church. And our annual harvest Thanksgiving service was an integral part of our end-of-year celebrations.
At its core, the thanksgiving service was about thanking God for life, health and economic provision throughout the year. It was a time to remember that all financial, physical and other gifts come from God. Families, societies and groups dressed elegantly, dancing and bringing their very best energy as they walked to the altar with their thanksgiving gifts.
That was how gratitude was expressed when I was growing up, and those early childhood experiences taught me its importance.
Now that i am raising my own children in a culture that is often rushing, comparing and consuming. I have had to be much more intentional about passing that heart of thanksgiving on. The best tool I have found is simple: pray the Word of God with them.
Below are ten Bible verses about gratitude for kids that you can pray together as a family. For each one, I have included why it matters and a short prayer you can say together.
You are welcome to use whichever Bible translation your children understand best.
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How to Use These Bible Verses About Gratitude With Your Kids
You don’t have to do all ten in one sitting. Here are a few simple ways our family enjoys them:
• One verse a day for ten days. Read it together at breakfast or before bed, then let each child share one thing they’re thankful for.
• One verse a week. Write it on a card or on the fridge whiteboard, and take a few minutes each evening to read it again.
• Give thanks around the dinner table. Choose a verse before you eat, then use it to guide your prayer for the meal.
• Have a little Sunday family devotion. Read two or three verses together and say a simple prayer of thanks.
Keep it short, warm and joyful. Even five minutes of heartfelt thanksgiving can mean so much more than a long, tense lecture.
10 Bible Verses About Gratitude For Kids And How To Pray Them
Having a dedicated family prayer time helps to establish a routine for this. I have noticed that when children hear Scripture and then say it back to God in their own words, gratitude stops being a rule and becomes a relationship.
1. Psalm 100:4
Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
Why it matters: It’s a lovely verse to share with children because it teaches them to begin their time with God by giving thanks, rather than starting with complaints or requests.
A prayer to say together: Lord, we thank you for the gift of life, family, and friends. We come into your presence with a grateful heart, remembering all you have done, all you are doing, and all that is yet to come. We bless your name and are grateful for your presence in our lives. Amen.
2. Psalm 95:2
Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song.
Why it matters: It teaches kids that thanksgiving and worship are shared. It encourages family worship, heartfelt gratitude and outward expression of worship.
A prayer to say together: Father, we come before you with a thankful heart. We praise You, worship You, and honor You for who You are in our lives. Thank You for making us worthy to give You thanks today and always. Amen.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Why it matters: This one is quite straightforward and connects beautifully with what we teach our children. To say thank you and remain grateful, no matter the circumstances. It is such an important lesson as they navigate disappointment, bullying, exams, or those painful moments when they feel different from everyone else.
A prayer to say together: Father, help us to give thanks in every situation, even when things are not easy. Thank You for always being with us. Please help us to see Your hand in everything. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
4. Colossians 3:15
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
Why it matters: This verse teaches children that gratitude and peace go hand in hand. A thankful child is often a calmer child. In a busy home, this verse reminds us that thankfulness can help quiet anxious hearts, including our own.
A prayer to say together: Lord, thank you for your loving kindness, which is new every morning. Help us to remain thankful, even during difficult times or when we face challenging situations. Teach us to bring peace, calm, and kindness into our home. Amen.
5. Psalm 118
This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.
Why it matters: This teaches children that whether it’s a chilly winter morning or a warm summer day, each day is a precious gift from God. And even when things don’t go exactly as planned, it’s still important to thank God and show gratitude as Christians.
A prayer to say together: Thank you, Lord, for the gift of this new day. As we step into it, Father, please go before us, level every mountain in our path, and make every crooked way straight. We are truly grateful for Your unfailing mercy, loving-kindness, and faithfulness. Amen.
6. I Chronicles 16:34
O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever.
Why it matters: This verse reminds children that we must give thanks and worship God because everything he does is good. His love for us never ends.
A prayer to say together: Dear God, thank you for all you do for us. Please help us to always remember to give thanks, worship you, and honour you. Thank you for your faithful love, which never fails. Amen.
7. Philippians 4:6
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
Why it matters: This Bible verse teaches children that prayer is not just about asking God for things. Before we bring our requests to God, we must first come with thankful hearts. We must also remember all the good things he has blessed us with when we want to pray.
A prayer to say together: Our lord our heavenly Father. We come before you with a grateful heart full of thanksgiving and praise. Thank you for what you have done, what you are doing in our lives and what you are yet to do.
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8. Ephesians 5:20
Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Why it matters: This verse reminds our children to say “thank you” to God every day, not only at mealtimes or bedtime. Just as we teach them to give thanks when someone serves them food or does something kind for them, we can help them build a grateful heart in all they do.
A prayer to say together: Our Father in heaven, thank You for the gift of life, for our family, and for the people we love. Please keep reminding us that every good and perfect gift comes from You. Amen.
9. Psalm 9:1
I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds
Why it matters: Gratitude is not something we should keep to ourselves. This verse encourages children to share what God has done for them, helping them grow more confident and joyful in their faith.
A prayer to say together: Dear God, You are so good and kind, and you deserve all our praise. Thank you for everything you have done for our family. Please help us to keep sharing your goodness with others, wherever we go. Amen.
10. Psalm 103:2
Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits
Why it matters: Children and even adults can quickly forget the times God has answered their prayers. This verse gently reminds us to remember all He has done. When children look back on God’s goodness, it helps build their faith for the future.
A prayer to say together: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unending grace and mercy. Please help us never to forget all You’ve done for us or take Your goodness for granted. Teach us to live each day with grateful hearts, giving You praise in all we do. Amen.
A Few Tips for Praying With Your Children
I cannot emphasise the benefits of having daily family prayer time. It has become a lovely habit in our home, and something we have all come to enjoy.
Every night we take turns praying together. Here are some tips you can use to create this beautiful routine in your home.
- Keep it age-appropriate. It’s important that every member of the family is given an opportunity to pray. This is including the little ones. Just keep it age-appropriate.
- Be consistent – Choose a time for prayers and stick to it. Some evenings may be chaotic especially when you have little children. Just persevere, and before long, it will become a natural part of your family routine.
- Model gratitude – Let your children see and hear you giving thanks to God and singing praises regularly. Children learn by watching.
- Make it joyful- I often burst into songs of praise during our family worship time. I have to say that this adds so much character to our prayer time. It also reminds me of family prayer time back home in Nigeria which used to start with praise and worship.
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- Put faith at the centre of your home life.
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By signing up, you will join my email list, and you can unsubscribe at any time. If you want to keep praying with purpose, my 21 Powerful Scriptures to Pray Over your children ebook is a lovely next step.
Which of these Scriptures will you pray with your children first? Do you have a family gratitude tradition of your own? Share in the comments below, and let’s encourage one another.
