Unlike prayers of adoration or praise where we focus solely on God, prayers of thanksgiving are about looking at our own lives and acknowledging God’s presence and blessings.
Prayers of thanksgiving are our time to stop and thank God for all he has given us.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
Psalm 118:1
It can be easy to find things to be thankful for: the roof over your head, even if it’s not your dream home; your health, even if you are stuggling with an ailment or two. If you have the mind to pray, you have some health in you!
We should also thank God for his promises to us. Thank him for never leaving you. Thank him for forgiving your sin and preparing a place for you in heaven.
Where things get difficult is thanking God for the not so wonderful things in your life. But remember, God sometimes leads you through dark valleys for his glory (Psalm 26). His promise to you is that he will work all things for the good of those that love him (Romans 8:28).
Be sure to thank him in all circumstances.
Examples of Prayers of Thanksgiving in the Bible
Daniel 2:23 – I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.
Psalm 9:1 – I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.
Psalm 7:17 – I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.
Luke 1:46-48a – And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.”
Psalm 4:7 – You have put more joy in my heart thank they have when their grain and wine abound.
1 Chronicles 29:13 – And now we thank you, our God, and praise your glorious name.
Be sure to check out all parts of the “How to Pray” series:
What Are Prayers of Adoration?
What Are Prayers of Confession?