We aren’t naturally grateful creatures, unfortunately, which is all too apparent by the way children act without any prompting or instruction. All these things came so easily to them, while teaching them gratitude seems to require constant reminders and guidance.
Here are 7 scriptures and family prayers, one for each day of the week, that you can use as you begin to trust God with the shaping of your children’s hearts, and your own.
1. Sunday: A Family Prayer to Set an Example for Our Children
“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 3:16-17
Lord, I pray that the message of Christ and His sacrifice is the root of gratitude in my heart. That His gracious gift leads me to thankful living, setting an example for my children. That they will have their own relationship with Jesus one day, and that You would grow gratitude in their hearts out of the acceptance of Jesus as their Savior. Lead us to do everything in the name of Jesus and give thanks to You through Him.
2. Monday: A Family Prayer to Grow in Thankfulness 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
Lord, please grow these characteristics in my heart and these habits in my life. I pray that You grow them in my children also. Help us to be a family known for rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks. Especially in giving thanks in all circumstances, no matter what.
3. Tuesday: A Prayer for Our Family to Know God’s Character
“Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people; praise his holy name.” Psalm 30:4
Lord, I pray that you would give my children and I a knowledge of You and Your character. Help us to ground our gratitude for this life and eternity in who you are, help us to praise You and Your holy name by knowing You more.
4. Wednesday: A Prayer for Our Family to Notice God’s Good Works
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” Luke 17:15-16
Lord, keep our eyes open and hearts aware of all that You have done for us. Help us to be like the one leper Jesus healed, that turned back to that Him for what he had done. Please protect us from becoming like the other lepers who forgot to be grateful. Help us to notice goodness and be grateful for it.
5. Thursday: A Family Prayer for Bold Witness
“I will give you thanks in the great assembly; among the throngs I will praise you.” Psalm 35:18
Lord, I pray that you would give me and my children boldness in our thanks. Let us not be ashamed of You or what you have done. Let us praise You openly and publicly for everyone to hear of your goodness. Let our thankfulness be a witness to others and bring them to Christ.
6. Friday: A Prayer for Our Family to Fight Sin with Thankfulness
“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.” Ephesians 5:3-5
Lord, please replace our sins and temptations with thanksgiving. Help us to use gratitude as a way to battle the draw to immorality or impurity. Let us be people who are filled with thanks rather than sinful desires.
7. Saturday: A Prayer of Gratitude for Family
“We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers.” 1 Thessalonians 1:2
Lord, help us to be thankful for one another. Help my children to be thankful for each other, for our family to be grateful for each member and to pray one another continually. Our gratitude for one another will bind us together as a family, and our prayers for each other will further unify us in gratitude and love.
