Theme
Thanksgiving Prayer
A short, Scripture-shaped theme prayer for an ordinary moment of Christian faith.
The prayer
A prayer to pray now
Father, You told us to give thanks in all circumstances. That is not just for today. It is for every day. Thank You for the food at the table that did not have to be there. Thank You for the people around the table who did not have to be in my life. Thank You for the year that did not turn out as planned but was carried by You nonetheless. The empty chair at the table — the one for the person who is not here this year — I bring that to You too. Some of what I am thankful for is what You have removed. Some is what You have left. Make me a person whose thanks do not depend on the season or on what I feel. You have asked me to give thanks, and so I will, in every season I am alive.
Amen.
How to pray it
- Read it slowly. Move through this prayer one line at a time, out loud if you can, letting each phrase land before the next.
- Make it personal. Pause where a line meets your day and name the person, fear, or hope it touches before God.
- Carry it with you. Keep one sentence with you — on your phone or in your pocket — and return to it when the day gets loud.
Verses to pray
Pray these slowly, one line at a time. Scripture quoted from a public-domain translation.
In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus toward you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Questions about this prayer
When should I pray thanksgiving prayer?
Pray it whenever the words fit your moment — at the start of the day, in a hard stretch, or when you simply want to turn toward God.
Which Bible verses anchor this prayer?
This prayer is anchored in 1 Thessalonians 5:18. The "Verses to pray" section above quotes them in full.
Can I save or share this prayer?
Yes. Use the Copy prayer button to copy the words, or open the Chosen Portion app to keep a daily prayer, devotional, and Scripture with you.