17 Powerful Prayers of Gratitude (with Free Bible Study)

One of the best ways to experience peace and joy in our lives is to cultivate a lifestyle of gratitude. Unfortunately, there will always be trouble on this earth. Jesus even told us so (John 16:33). But he told us to be encouraged and to take heart–because he has overcome the world. Because Jesus has already defeated death and the grave–we have reason to praise him–and to live our lives in gratitude and thanksgiving. 

How do we Live a Lifestyle of Gratitude?

Cultivating a heart of thanksgiving is a daily practice of surrendering our will to God’s, and opening up our hearts to him. A heart of thanksgiving is much more than writing a daily checklist of things we are thankful for–it is an entire lifestyle of living out of the overflow of joy that God has placed within us.

Although many people tend to focus on gratitude and thanksgiving during the fall season, we definitely have many reasons to focus on cultivating hearts of gratitude all year long!

Examples of Praise and Gratitude in the Bible: The Singing Army

All throughout Scripture, praise is used as a forceful weapon to defeat enemies and to declare victory in the Lord. In 2 Chronicles 20 king Jehoshaphat and the Israelites defeated the Moabites and Ammonites through their most powerful weapons: praise and gratitude.

They marched to the lines of battle boldly declaring, “Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” (2 Chronicles 20:21) When they reached the battleground, the Israelites discovered that their enemy was already defeated! (2 Chronicles 20:24)

All that was left for the people of God to do was collect the plunder from their defeated enemies. It took them three days to collect all the articles of value! (vs 25)

Jehoshaphat and his army went home rejoicing, and his kingdom enjoyed peace and rest on every side (vs 30). This story reveals a very important truth: Worship and praise to God with a grateful heart is an act of spiritual warfare. When you are suited up for battle with a song in your heart and praise on your lips, you hold a lethal weapon against the enemy!

Examples of Gratitude and Thanksgiving in the Bible: The Ten Lepers

Another one of my favorite examples of gratitude in the Bible is the story of the ten lepers.

In the book of Luke 17:11-19, Jesus was approached by ten men with leprosy as he traveled to Jerusalem. They asked him to have pity on them, and Jesus healed them as they went to show themselves to the priests (Luke 17:14). Only one of the ten men with leprosy returned to thank Jesus for what he had done. 

When was the last time we took the time to thank the Lord for what he has done in our lives? In the midst of the hustle and bustle of our busy schedules, it is easy to take so many of God’s blessings for granted. Instead of forgetting what God has done for us, let’s take the time to offer prayers of gratitude and thanksgiving!

Examples of Praise and Gratitude in the Bible: Paul and Silas

Paul and Silas in Acts 16:16-40 powerfully sang hymns of praise to God after they were wrongfully beaten and thrown into prison. At around midnight during their praise session, a violent earthquake shook the entire prison and loosened everyone’s chains! (Acts 16:26) 

Are you facing your own “midnight hour” situation that seems hopeless? Sing a psalm of praise. Do you feel like the enemy is surrounding you on every side? Like Jehoshaphat, open up your mouth in praise to our great God!

Here are 17 powerful prayers of gratitude we can reflect on when we need to be reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness in our lives. You can also download and print a FREE mini Bible study on gratitude at the end of this post!

Prayers of Gratitude for Salvation

The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life— of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Prayer: Lord, thank you so much for your salvation through Jesus Christ. Because of your sacrifice on the cross, I now have eternal life through you. This is the greatest gift that you have graciously poured out to me! Give me strength and encouragement when I need to remember the sweet gift of your salvation, and help me to tell others of the wonderful news of your eternal life. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for God’s Blessings

From the Lord comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people.

Psalm 3:8

Prayer: Lord, I give thanks to you with all of my heart today. Help me to tell of your wonderful deeds to those around me! You have been good, and you have done so much for me. Help me to remember that you have blessed me in so many ways, and I will continue to praise your name each day! Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for Abundant Life

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10

Prayer: Lord, not only do I have hope for eternal life through you, but you came to give us abundant life on Earth as well. Thank you for the beauty of your creation that is all around us. I praise you for the small things in life–for laughter with loved ones, and evening walks to see the sunset. Help me to trust that you will reveal to me the plans that you have for my life. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for God’s Righteousness

In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.

Psalm 31:1

Prayer: Lord, I praise you today, and I give thanks because of your righteousness. May I sing praises to your name each day, for you are the God Most High! Help me to remember that  in times of difficulty that you are always with me. I know that by your grace, you will help me and rescue me with your righteous right hand. I praise you this day, and forever. Amen.

Prayers of Gratitude for My Family

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:2-6

Prayer: Lord, I extend prayers of gratitude for my family. They are truly a blessing to my life. I am thankful for each family gathering, every phone call, and each exchange of laughter. I cherish the memories we have formed over the years. Even when we have moments of disagreement, continue to give us the grace to love one another with the love of Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for Friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity. Proverbs 17:17

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of friendship. I am thankful for the people you have placed in my life who have encouraged me and walked alongside me over the years. May I cherish these friendships and praise you for the blessings each of them are in my life. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for Health

Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones.

Proverbs 3:7-8

Prayer: Lord, thank you for the nourishment you provide for my body each day. Help me to cultivate a lifestyle of health and wellness by eating healthy foods and by getting plenty of exercise. Keep my body strong, and provide me with the energy I need to accomplish your will in my life. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for Strength

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Isaiah 40:29

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your strength that sustains me each day. I am grateful for your love, grace, and mercies that rise with the morning sun. May your strength and power provide me with what I need to face each day with power. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for the Beauty of Creation

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2

Prayer: Lord, I am grateful for the beauty of your creation. From the glorious snow-peaked mountains to the roaring seas, the splendor of your holiness is all around me. Fill my heart with gratitude and wonder as I marvel at the awesome grandeur of your magnificent creation. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for Daily Provisions

So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

Genesis 22:14

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your daily provisions. I am grateful for how you continue to supply my every need. Thank you for providing my daily bread, and for being the Bread of Life–as you provide me with spiritual sustenance through your Word. Amen.

Prayers of Gratitude for Protection

But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you. Psalm 5:11

Prayer: Lord, thank you for how you continue to protect me and my family. I am truly grateful for your hand of protection over me. Guide me today and surround me with songs of deliverance (Psalm 32:7). You are my sword and shield, and the horn of my salvation. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for the Body of Christ

Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. 1 Corinthians 12:27

Prayer: Lord, today I say a prayer of gratitude for the Body of Christ. Thank you that no matter where we live in the world, we are joined together and connected through you. May we stand united and proclaim your love and faithfulness to the watching world around us. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude for the Word of God

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8

Prayer: Lord, I am so grateful for your Word. Your Word brings us hope, peace, and joy. Thank you for giving us power and strength from your Word to overcome anything we may face in life. Revive my heart and soul according to your Word, and sustain me through the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen. 

Prayers of Gratitude and Thanksgiving 

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. Colossians 3:16

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the beautiful message of Christ. May your message dwell in us richly as we teach and encourage one another through your wisdom. As the Body of Christ, may we lift up psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit as we praise you with thanksgiving and gratitude in our hearts. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Prayers of Gratitude for God’s Love

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

1 John 3:16

Prayer: Lord, today I offer heartfelt prayers of gratitude for your love. Thank you for laying your life down on the cross so that we may experience eternal life with you forever. Teach us how to love others as you have loved us. May we sacrificially lay down our lives for the blessing and benefit of others. Amen.

Daily Prayers of Gratitude for Peace and Strength

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

Prayer: Lord, we give you praise for the peace we have that surpasses our understanding (Philippians 4:7). Guard our hearts and minds, and fill our hearts with your peace through the Holy Spirit. We thank you that although we will experience pain and trouble in this world, you tell us to take heart–for you have already overcome the world. Everything we need for life and godliness is already possible through you (2 Peter 1:3). Thank you for your peace and strength today. Amen.

Prayers of Gratitude on Thanksgiving Day

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:4

A Prayer of Thanksgiving: Lord, we praise you today for the power of your love. We humble our hearts in grateful adoration and give you praise and glory. On this beautiful day of Thanksgiving, we offer prayers of gratitude for what you have done in our lives. Great is your faithfulness! (Lam 3:23) May we never cease to praise your name for your goodness and grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Free Mini Bible Study on Gratitude 

You can download and print the mini Bible study on gratitude by clicking on the button below, and feel free to write your own prayers of gratitude on the journal pages!

In Conclusion

May these prayers of gratitude encourage and strengthen us as we focus daily on the many blessings of our Lord! 

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