It’s the time of year that we tend to have thankfulness on our mind. We gather on Thanksgiving Day to eat, fellowship with family, and take a moment to thank God for all of our blessings. The theme of gratitude is seen throughout the Bible, reminding us that God is faithful and good in every season. Whether we’re experiencing abundance or walking through trials, God calls us to give thanks. This post contains a few of the many Bible stories that help us remember to have a heart of thankfulness.
1. The Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19)
I love the story of the 10 lepers. They were outcasts in society, but Jesus showed them mercy. They knew exactly who to turn to. The Bible says, “they met him.” They were in a hopeless condition, until Jesus worked a miracle in their life. Even so, only one of the ten returned to give thanks.
Lesson: Gratitude is not just a polite response—it’s an act of worship. Do we thank God for the things he has done for us? Or do we take it for granted like the other nine? Like the leper, we should thank God for His blessings, both big and small.
2. The Feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:1-14)
Before feeding a crowd with just five loaves and two fish, Jesus gave thanks. His prayer of gratitude preceded the miracle, showing us the power of thanking God even before our needs are fully met. This lesson also teaches us to give thanks for our food and the necessities that God provides us each day.
Lesson: Thankfulness opens the door for God’s provision. It shifts our focus from scarcity to abundance.
3. Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1-2)
Hannah, once barren, prayed for a son and promised to dedicate him to the Lord. When God answered her prayer, she responded with a song of thanksgiving and fulfilled her vow by giving Samuel back to God. Hannah’s prayer of praise and thanksfiving are some of my favorite verses in the Bible.
Lesson: Gratitude often requires action. Hannah teaches us to thank God not only with words but also through obedience and generosity.
4. The Israelites and the Promised Land (Joshua 3-4)
As the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, God instructed them to set up memorial stones to remember His provision. These stones served as a reminder of His faithfulness for future generations.
Lesson: Gratitude involves remembering what God has done. Establishing “memorials” in our lives—like journals or family traditions—helps us keep a thankful heart. Write down some things that God has done for you, both big and small. Also make a prayer list of needs you have. You might be surprised at how God will work in your life if you pray.
5. David’s Thanksgiving Psalm (Psalm 103)
David’s psalm overflows with praise, listing reasons to bless the Lord: forgiveness, healing, redemption, and steadfast love. David remembers God’s goodness even back into the days of Moses. He speaks of God’s mercy from everlasting to everlasting, and compares the Lord to a loving father. This is an uplifting reminder of where God has brought us from and his continued companionship on our journey.
Lesson: Gratitude grows when we focus on God’s character and His daily mercies.
6. The Widow’s Oil (2 Kings 4:1-7)
II Kings is one of my favorite books. We see in this story a widow who is in a desperate place. In her desperation, she sought help from the prophet Elisha. God miraculously multiplied her small jar of oil, providing enough to pay her debts and sustain her family. There’s so many lessons we can learn from this story.
Lesson: Even in the midst of trials, God provides for our needs. Gratitude acknowledges His faithfulness, especially in life’s most difficult moments.
7. Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:16-40)
While imprisoned, Paul and Silas sang hymns and prayed, expressing an attitude of praise despite their suffering. What an example they set for us to have faith and praise God in the hard, difficult journeys of life. Their faith led to a miraculous earthquake that freed them and brought salvation to their jailer’s family.
Lesson: Gratitude in hardship demonstrates trust in God and inspires others to seek Him.
8. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32)
The prodigal son squandered his inheritance but was welcomed home with open arms by his father. This act of grace reminds us to be thankful for God’s boundless forgiveness. It reminds us of how undeserving we are of God’s mercy and forgiveness. May we ever be thankful.
Lesson: Gratitude flows from recognizing God’s mercy and the second chances He offers.
9. The Manna in the Wilderness (Exodus 16)
As the Israelites wandered in the wilderness, God provided manna daily. Though they often complained, this story reminds us of God’s consistent provision.
Lesson: Gratitude grows when we trust God to meet our daily needs, even in uncertain times.
10. Mary’s Song of Praise (Luke 1:46-55)
Mary, upon learning she would give birth to the Messiah, praised God with a song of thanksgiving. She faced many challenges and accepted them with an open heart. Despite all that she faced, she focused on God’s mercy and faithfulness.
Lesson: Gratitude sees beyond circumstances and celebrates God’s eternal plans.
Living a Life of Thankfulness
Thankfulness is more than a fleeting emotion—it’s a lifestyle rooted in faith and trust in God. Whether we’re celebrating a miracle, enduring trials, or remembering past blessings in our life, gratitude keeps our hearts aligned with His goodness. Paul and Silas wrote Philippians, one of the happiest books in the Bible, while they were in prison. We see enormous hardships faced by people in these stories, yet they still gave thanks and kept their focus on God.
How can you practice thankfulness today? Consider creating a gratitude journal, sharing a testimony of God’s faithfulness, or pausing to thank Him in prayer. Just like the one leper who returned to Jesus, let’s live lives that reflect our appreciation for all He has done.
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (KJV)
Free Printable: Gratitude Journal Pages
To help your family or students put this lesson into practice, I’ve created free printable gratitude journal pages! These pages include:
- A space to write things you’re thankful for each day.
- A section to reflect on a favorite Bible verse about thankfulness.
- A spot to draw or write your prayer list.
- 3 different styles to choose from.
Click here to download the Gratitude Journal PDF!
Let’s teach the next generation to have hearts full of thankfulness!
