Thanksgiving is a special holiday that is all about giving thanks. Below are forty prayers some straight from scripture, and some based on scripture that fit into the celebration of Thanksgiving.
Every day we should be giving thanks to God, but Thanksgiving is a great day to set aside time to focus on the many blessings in life. All verses are from the English Standard Version.
20 Verses To Pray On Thanksgiving
The Bible is full of scripture that mentions thanksgiving and praise, below are just a few of those verses that we can pray through to give thanks for who God is and all he has done.
1. Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Lord,
Thank you. Thank you for who you are, because of who you are we can live life knowing we are loved and live with a purpose. We can have confidence as your children that you love us, and your love will never end.
You are good, and may we never forget that. I pray that even in the days of trials we will remember your love and goodness that will never fail us.
Thank you Lord for this day that we can set aside to give thanks,
Amen.
2. Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread,
and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
Lord,
I pray that in all circumstances of life we would be reminded of your goodness and always give thanks. You desire for us to always be thankful, may we live with a heart of thankfulness not just today, but every day.
And all God’s people said, Amen!
4. Psalm 100
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!
Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into his presence with singing!Know that the Lord, he is God!
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.Enter his gates with thanksgiving,
and his courts with praise!
Give thanks to him; bless his name!For the Lord is good;
his steadfast love endures forever,
and his faithfulness to all generations.
5. James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
God,
We know that everything good in life is from you. You have blessed us with so much Lord, thank you. I pray that we will not forget the many blessings that we have through you.
Lord, you are good, we praise you for who you are, and thank you for all you have done in our lives. I pray that even when things are hard we would not forget your goodness.
Amen.
6. Psalm 107:1
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
7. Ephesians 5:20
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,
Lord,
We pray that in this day set aside for giving thanks we would not forget the many blessings you have bestowed on us.
I thank you for the many good time we have had in the past year with friends and family.
I also thank you for the hard times we have experienced because we know that you were with us and working in us. I pray that our first response in any situation would be to come to you in thanksgiving and prayer.
Thank you for this day you have given to us.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
8. Psalm 106:1
Praise the Lord!
Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,
for his steadfast love endures forever!
9. Hebrews 12:28
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.
God,
I thank you so much for the inheritance that we have as children of God. Because of what you did on the cross we belong to the unshakable kingdom of God.
We can have confidence that despite the brokenness in the world around us that there is a kingdom that will not be shaken and we can put our hope in.
We thank you God, for how you are working.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
10. Psalm 117
Praise the Lord, all nations!
Extol him, all peoples!
For great is his steadfast love toward us,
and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever.
Praise the Lord!
11. Isaiah 12:3
With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And you will say in that day:
“Give thanks to the Lord,
call upon his name,
make known his deeds among the peoples,
proclaim that his name is exalted.
God,
We praise you for all you have done, may we proclaim your love and your goodness always. We thank you now for all that you have done, are doing, and all you will do in the future.
Amen.
12. Psalm 135:1-3
Praise the Lord!
Praise the name of the Lord,
give praise, O servants of the Lord,
who stand in the house of the Lord,
in the courts of the house of our God!
Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good;
sing to his name, for it is pleasant!
13. Hebrews 13:15
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
Dear God,
Thank you for all you have given to us. Thank you for this day, thank you for being with us in the good and the hard times. Lord, we want to praise you, your name is great, and greatly to be praised.
Thank you Lord, Amen.
14. Psalm 145:1-9
I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.The Lord is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The Lord is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.
15. Colossians 3:17
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Dear God,
I pray this Thanksgiving, and every day, that we would live for your glory and not our own.
I pray that we will not only be thankful on Thanksgiving Day, but every day of the year, and be known as people who live for Jesus and are full of thankfulness.
Thank you for all you have blessed us with, and help us to live for you.
All God’s people said, Amen.
16. Habakkuk 3:17-19
Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.
God, the Lord, is my strength;
he makes my feet like the deer’s;
he makes me tread on my high places.
17. Philippians 4:4-6
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Lord,
We praise you for all you have done. Thank you for working in our lives, we praise you. Even in times of uncertainty we see brokenness in the world around us, we pray that you will work all things for good.
We trust in you.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
18. Psalm 103:1-4
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and all that is within me,
bless his holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
and forget not all his benefits,
who forgives all your iniquity,
who heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the pit,
who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,
19. 2 Corinthians 9:15
Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
God,
We thank you for sending your Son to earth to die for our sins. We would still be stuck in sin and death, help us to always remember the sacrifice Jesus made so we could be free, and help us to live in light of the cross.
Amen.
20. 1 Chronicles 16:34
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; for His steadfast love endures forever!
10 Pre-Written Thanksgiving Prayers
If you are looking for prayers for the many events and topics of Thanksgiving, here are prayers that are not just for before the meal, but can be used throughout the day.
1. Thanksgiving Prayer Before Eating
Dear God,
Thank you for the food you have provided for us, bless this food to our body. I pray that this time with friends and family can be a time to grow closer to each other and grow closer to you God.
Thank you for this day and the food before us, bless the hands that prepared this food.
Amen
2. A Prayer of Thanks for Family & Friends
Lord,
Thank you for this time you have given us to be with those we love. Thank you for all the friends and family in our life. I pray that you would bless them and that they would have a blessed thanksgiving.
Thank you Lord for the blessing of community and may we keep you at the center of all of our relationships.
Amen
3. A Prayer for Those in Need
Dear God,
I thank you for all you have given us, but I pray for those who are experiencing want and need this thanksgiving. We know there are those out there with food insecurity, I pray that you would use us to be your hands and feet and serve those in need today and every day.
I pray for those who are experiencing brokenness in their family this holiday. Lord would you bring them comfort, and for those who are alone would they be comforted by your unfailing love.
Lord would you open our eyes to be your hands and feet to those in need.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen
4. Thanksgiving Prayer for Those Who Prepared the Food
Jesus,
I thank you for this day and for bringing us all here together today. I thank you for all this food that we have. I pray that you would bless those who prepared this food.
I thank you for their diligence and care as they exemplified Christ’s love by serving others. Bless this food to our bodies.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
5. Thanksgiving Prayer for the Lonely
Abba,
On a day like today that is for getting together with family and enjoying food, I pray for those who find themselves without friends and family.
I pray that you would comfort them in this season, and they would feel your love.
I pray that those who have recently experienced the passing of a friend or family member would remember your faithfulness at this time. Lord, I thank you for who you are and your great love for us.
Amen.
6. Thanksgiving Day Preparation Prayer
Lord,
As I prepare for this day of Thanksgiving, I pray that my mind will not be crowded with worries for the day but instead filled with gratefulness for the many blessings in my life.
I pray that in the moments of stress you would remind me that you are in control. Throughout this day would you not only bless the food that will physically fill us, but also fill us spiritually.
We pray this trusting and believing in you, Amen.
7. Praying for Family Near & Far on Thanksgiving
Jesus,
Thank you so much for all of my family, I am so thankful for those here now, but I am also thankful for those who are far away this Thanksgiving.
I pray that you would bless all who are near and far and help them to have a Thanksgiving that is full of good food and good company. May they also be filled with a thankful heart and be overwhelmed by the love of God this Thanksgiving.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
8. Praying for Wisdom on Thanksgiving
Dear God,
This time of year is such a blessing and I thank you for this time we can set aside to focus on all the blessings we have to be thankful for in our lives.
While Thanksgiving can be a fun time with family and friends I pray for wisdom to use this time wisely.
Help me be intentional in all I do and not waste this time you have given me today. I pray for wisdom as I interact with so many people would you guide my words so they are kind to all.
In your precious name, Amen.
9. Prayer for Unsaved Family & Friends
Abba,
Thank you for this time you have given to us. As family and friends come from all over to enjoy food and company I pray that we would have the opportunity to share our faith.
I pray for the right opportunity and boldness to share the hope of Jesus to my friends and family member’s who are without the hope of Jesus.
Amen.
10. Praying for Peace
Lord,
Thank you for this time. I pray that on this thanksgiving day you will bring peace to my family and friends. I pray that as we eat at the table you would bring about uplifting conversation for all.
I also pray for peace around the world, would you work in the hearts of man to bring the desire of peace, and they would seek after your heart. Thank you again for this day of giving thanks.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
10 Prayers to Recite on Thanksgiving
If you are looking for some go-to prayers to recite, below are a list of familiar Thanksgiving blessings and prayers.
1. Thanksgiving Prayer by Unknown Author
Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude to God, our Creator and Provider, whose guidance and care go before us, and whose love is with us forever. Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the changes, to remember that we, too, grow and change from one season of life to another. Thanksgiving is a time of changing seasons, when leaves turn golden in autumn’s wake and apples are crisp in the first chill breezes of fall. Let us remember the true meaning of Thanksgiving. As we see the beauty of autumn, let us acknowledge the many blessings which are ours, let us think of our families and friends, and let us give thanks in our hearts.
2. Thanksgiving Prayer by Unknown Author
Bless the food before us, the family beside us, and the love between us. Amen.
3. Children’s Thanksgiving Prayer
Thank you God for all that grows, thank you for the sky’s rainbows. Thank you for the stars that shine, thank you for these friends of mine. Thank you for the moon and sun, thank you God for all you’ve done!
Unknown Author
4. Children’s Thanksgiving Prayer
Thank you God for sun and rain
Living Prayers
That makes all things grow.
Thank you for the farmers
That work to reap and sow.
Thank you for the mums and dads
That make us lovely food.
Thank you God for everything
Your world is so wonderful.
5. Thanksgiving Prayer from Mary Fairchild
Heavenly Father, on Thanksgiving Day we bow our hearts to You and pray. We give You thanks for all You’ve done, especially for the gift of Jesus, Your Son. For beauty in nature, Your glory we see. For joy and health, friends and family. For daily provision, your mercy and care—these are the blessings You graciously share. So today we offer this response of praise with a promise to follow You all of our days.
6. A Thanksgiving Day Prayer from John Cennick
Be present at our table, Lord. Be here and everywhere adored. Thy creatures bless and grant that we may feast in paradise with Thee.
7. A Thanksgiving Day Prayer from Walter Rauschenbusch
O God, we thank you for this earth, our home;
for the wide sky and the blessed sun,
for the salt sea and the running water,
for the everlasting hills
and the never-resting winds,
for trees and the common grass underfoot.
We thank you for our senses
by which we hear the songs of birds,
and see the splendor of the summer fields,
and taste of the autumn fruits,
and rejoice in the feel of the snow,
and smell the breath of the spring.
Grant us a heart wide open to all this beauty;
and save our souls from being so blind
that we pass unseeing
when even the common thornbush
is aflame with your glory,
O God our creator,
Who lives and reigns for ever and ever.
8. Thanksgiving Prayer by Unknown Author
Dear God,
We are so grateful for every beat of our heart, every blink of our eyes and every breath in our lungs. Thank You for the life You’ve given us. We don’t want to waste one minute, so help us steward our time wisely.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
9. Thanksgiving Prayer by Abigail van Buren
O, heavenly Father:
We thank thee for food and remember the hungry. We thank thee for health and remember the sick. We thank thee for friends and remember the friendless. We thank thee for freedom and remember the enslaved. May these remembrances stir us to service, that thy gifts to us may be used for others.
Amen.
10. Thanksgiving Prayer by Joanna Fuchs
We thank you for the turkey, the gravy, and the dressing. Dear Lord, this table overflows with Thy abundant blessing. Let us always be aware that all gifts come from You, and may we serve Your heavenly will in everything we do. Amen.
As we give thanks on thanksgiving and use prayers from scripture and other Christians, we can learn from the Israelites in the Old Testament.
God tells his people that they should remember. The Israelites were prone to forget all that God had done for them, and when they forgot, they turned from God.
The same is true in our life when we forget what God has done we will find ourselves being ungrateful.
Hopefully this Thanksgiving you will be able to focus on being thankful for all God is doing no matter the circumstances. Take extra time to thank God for his blessings, and to pray for those struggling this season.