Types of Prayer: Thanksgiving

Prayers of Thanksgiving

Prayers of Thanksgiving arise from a sense of gratitude. We teach our children to say thank you for a gift or favor given. We are teaching them to notice moments of grace – times they are freely given something they did not earn or deserve.

How much more for us, with a better sense of what we have earned or deserved, to gratefully express to God our thanks for all we have. Every occasion gives us an opportunity for thanksgiving. Sometimes we may have to look hard for that small piece for which we can be thankful. Doing this can open up new possibilities for seeing well in difficulties and for seeing God’s face in the hard times.

Other times gratitude bursts in on us. We see a glorious sunset and we spontaneously praise God for allowing us to see such magnificence. Looking for ways to be grateful opens our hearts to thank God for all that has been given us.

This article was authored by Melanie F., a member of the Prayer Ministries Team at Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Resources

• Prayers for the New Year
• Thank You, I’m Going Downhill

Return to main Prayer Ministries page.