Teaching kids to express gratitude through prayer is a beautiful way to celebrate Thanksgiving.
Simple prayers help them recognize and appreciate God’s blessings in their lives.
These short and meaningful Thanksgiving prayers will encourage children to give thanks with joy and a thankful heart.
A prayer for family unity
A strong and loving family is one of life’s greatest blessings.
A Prayer for Family Unity teaches children to ask God for patience, kindness, and understanding within their home, helping to strengthen the bond they share with their loved ones.
It reminds them that family is built on love, respect, and the ability to support one another through life’s ups and downs.
"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them." (1 John 4:16) Jesus, today I especially ask for my family. Bless my parents, siblings, and everyone with health, happiness, and unity. Help us to understand each other better and to live in harmony and love. May our actions and words always be guided by your love and wisdom. Amen."
This prayer encourages children to practice empathy, listen with an open heart, and choose kindness even in difficult moments.
The Johnson family struggled with constant sibling arguments, creating tension at home.
Looking for a way to bring more peace, they started saying "A Prayer for Family Unity" from the Storybook app every night together.
Slowly, things changed. "One evening, instead of fighting, our kids reminded each other, ‘We’re a team, let’s be kind,’" their mom shared.
This simple prayer helped them appreciate each other more, turning their home into a space of love and understanding. ✨🙏💛
For family and friends
Friendships and family relationships are among the most precious gifts from God, filling our lives with love, support, and joy.
For Family and Friends is a meaningful prayer that teaches children to be grateful for the people who care for them while also asking for their protection, health, and happiness.
It helps children recognize the importance of nurturing these relationships with kindness, patience, and love.
"Dear God, I thank you for my loving family and my wonderful friends. I ask you to bless them and keep them safe and happy. Thank you for having people who love and care for me. Help me to show them my love and gratitude every day. Amen."
This prayer encourages children to express gratitude for the presence of family and friends in their lives and to actively contribute to those relationships by being compassionate, forgiving, and supportive.
It reminds them that simple acts—like sharing, listening, or offering help—can strengthen bonds and bring joy to those around them.
Making For Family and Friends part of their daily routine fosters a habit of appreciation and thoughtfulness.
Gratitude for gifts
Every talent, opportunity, and blessing in life is a precious gift from God.
Gratitude for Gifts is a heartfelt prayer that teaches children to appreciate their unique abilities and the opportunities they receive while encouraging them to use their gifts wisely and share them with others.
It reminds them that their skills, creativity, and strengths are meant to bring joy, help others, and make the world a better place.
"Jesus, I thank you for the gifts you have bestowed upon me. I am grateful for my family, friends, the opportunities you give me, knowing you and loving you. Thank you for showing your love through the affection of my friends. Help me to be generous and fruitful, sharing everything you have given me with others. I want to reflect on you more every day Lord and offer the best of myself to others. Amen."
This prayer helps children develop humility and gratitude, recognizing that their talents—whether in art, music, sports, academics, or kindness—are special and should be nurtured with dedication and generosity.
It also encourages them to use their gifts not only for personal growth but also to uplift those around them.
Making Gratitude for Gifts part of their daily routine can inspire children to approach each day with purpose and a willingness to serve.
Thank you for creation
The beauty of nature is one of God's greatest gifts, surrounding us with wonder, life, and endless blessings.
Thank You for Creation is a heartfelt prayer that teaches children to appreciate the world around them—from the smallest flowers to the vast sky—and to recognize God’s presence in everything they see.
It reminds them that nature is a gift to be cherished, enjoyed, and protected for future generations.
"Thank you, Lord Jesus, for being the creator of the universe, the sun, the moon, the stars, and all living beings. I thank you for having made me in your image and likeness, endowing me with a mind to think, a heart to love, and a will to choose beauty. I deeply appreciate your unconditional love. Amen."
This prayer helps children develop a sense of gratitude and responsibility toward the environment.
It encourages them to care for God’s creation by treating animals with kindness, conserving water, planting trees, and keeping their surroundings clean.
Making Thank You for Creation part of their daily routine inspires them to be more mindful of the world around them.
Thank you for your friendship
Jesus is the best friend a child can have—always present, always loving, and always ready to listen.
Thank You for Your Friendship is a heartfelt prayer that reminds children that God is with them in every moment, offering guidance, comfort, and unconditional love, no matter the situation.
It teaches them that they are never alone, even in difficult times, because Jesus walks beside them, supporting them with kindness and understanding.
"Lord Jesus, I thank you for the many blessings in my life, especially for your constant presence as an unfailing friend. Amen."
This prayer helps children develop a strong personal relationship with God, encouraging them to turn to Him not only in times of need but also to share their joys, dreams, and daily experiences.
Emma’s son was struggling with friendships at school, often feeling left out and unsure of himself.
Wanting to help him build confidence and gratitude, she introduced the "Thank You for Your Friendship" prayer from the Storybook app into their bedtime routine.
Over time, his mindset shifted. "One day, he told me he thanked God for his friends and decided to be kinder to others," Emma shared.
This simple prayer helped him appreciate the friendships he had and gave him the courage to build stronger, more meaningful connections. 💛🙏✨
Thanks for this day
Each new day is a precious gift—an opportunity to learn, grow, and share kindness with others.
Thanks for This Day is a simple yet powerful prayer that encourages children to begin their day with gratitude, embracing each moment with joy, curiosity, and a heart full of faith.
It reminds them that every sunrise is a fresh start, filled with endless possibilities and blessings waiting to be discovered.
"Thank you, Lord my God, for this day that ends. It has been beautiful, and I enjoyed it with my family and friends. Please grant a restful sleep tonight. Fill my thoughts with beauty and the certainty of your presence. In the name of Jesus, amen."
This prayer helps children develop a habit of appreciation, teaching them to focus on the good in their lives rather than any worries or challenges ahead.
It also inspires them to approach the day with kindness and a willingness to make a positive difference, whether through small acts of love, helping a friend, or simply sharing a smile.
Making Thanks for This Day part of their morning routine sets a positive tone for the hours ahead.
How to involve kids in Thanksgiving prayers
Making Thanksgiving prayer activities for kids interactive helps children connect with the meaning of gratitude in a fun and engaging way.
Instead of simply reciting a prayer, involve them by asking what they’re thankful for and letting them share their own words of thanks.
Try activities like creating a “gratitude tree,” where kids write their blessings on paper leaves, or a prayer circle where each family member adds a short prayer.
Drawing gratitude lists is another great way for little ones to visualize their blessings.
3 Millions of families already trust us
The #1 app for parents and kids in more than 150 countries.
Download now!
References
