According to scientific research, gratitude is one of the best ways to boost your mental health and physical well-being.
This is what Robert Emmons, the world’s leading scientific expert on gratitude wrote, “it’s an affirmation of goodness. We affirm that there are good things in the world, gifts, and benefits we’ve received.”
This article discusses studies that seem to suggest that gratitude is good for your health.
Tip #4 on How To Teach A Child About Gratitude = Say Thank You
Gratitude enhances and builds relationships.
Even the youngest of children can learn to say, “Thank you.”
With their chubby little hands, they can form the sign language words that express gratitude.
These two words, “thank you,” are the first words parents often teach their kids.
Energetic and zealous, parents demand that their children give thanks for any gift received or service offered.
Often, children end up expressing gratitude by rote.
Other times, their words are insincere.
Gratitude does not produce all the scientific benefits unless it is heartfelt.
How can we make sure that our children are not saying these words by rote?
How can we ensure their words are meaningful and genuine?
The author of the book, Nonviolent Communication, shares tips about expressing effective gratitude towards others.
In his article, he shares three steps to effective gratitude:
1. Observations.
Teach your children to make observations about what their friend or relative did for them. Like,
A. Mom tied my shoes.
B. Grandma bought me a present.
C. Dad brought me a hamburger after work.
Even if your child didn’t like the gift itself, she can express gratefulness for the motive behind it. “Thank you, Grandma, for taking the time to go shopping and buying me a gift.”
Teach your child to express gratitude in full sentences.
2. Feelings – Teach your kids to describe their feelings about their friend or relative’s kind action or gift.
A. “Mom, when you tied my shoes, I felt relieved…”
B. “Grandma, when you bought me a present, I felt loved…”
C. “Dad, when you brought me a hamburger, I felt happy…”
3. Need – Finally, help your kids express the need that that their friend or relative met.
A. “Mom, when you tied my shoes, I felt relieved because I wanted to go outside and play.”
B. “Grandma, when you bought me a present, I felt loved because I knew you were thinking about me.”
C. “Dad, when you brought me a hamburger, I felt happy because I was hungry and you remember my favorite types of burgers.”
In summary, an effective gratitude statement includes the action that was performed, the feeling that was produced, and the need that was met.
This formula helps avoid rote gratitude.
It also helps you avoid saying “thank you” as a way to manipulate someone.
Think how good you would feel if someone used this formula on you!
“When you stopped by to ask if I needed something (Observation), I felt happy (Feeling) because I had been very lonely and anxious today. (Need)”
Tip #5 on How To Teach A Child About Gratitude = Thank You Notes
Writing thank you note may seem like an ancient, outdated practice.
In reality, it is a wonderful habit to teach t today’s generation of kids.
If you are quarantined or shut inside during winter, now is an excellent time to start developing this skill in children.
Children can rediscover the joy of letter-writing.
Ask your children to name one person who has influenced and encouraged them.
Maybe it’s someone whom they have missed during the pandemic.
Have them write a letter expressing gratitude to this teacher, friend, or classmate.
Now is the time to teach children about envelopes, stamps, and postage.
Kids can learn how to address an envelope and write a return address.
They can practice their skills of letter heading, greeting, body of the letter, and closing.
Are you willing to send a thank-you note to someone you’ve never met?
Then you are willing to take your gratitude journey to the next level!
Why not share the gratitude with someone who’s discouraged?
The organization “More Love Letters” devotes itself to inspiring people to write handwritten letters to people who are going through tough times.
Go on the website and help your children select a discouraged individual to write to.
Looking back in your gratitude journal, you’ll be able to see how God has provided for you in a very difficult time.
Then share the good news with someone else!
The “More Love Letters” website always shares about the kind and sacrificial acts that the discouraged individual has performed.
He or she is having a tough time remembering his own goodness right now.
Express gratitude to that person for the kindness, sacrifice, and hope they have shared with others.
“Count your blessings, Name them one by one
Count your blessings. See what God has done
Count your blessings. Name them one by one
Count your many blessings, see what God has done.”
[‘And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.’] – Johnson Oatman Jr.
There are lots of things that we should be grateful, and thankful for regardless of our situation in life.
As children of God, we believe that God is at the center of everything.
By now you must have realized that I’m not talking about the traditional pilgrim’s thanksgiving celebration with the juicy turkey, art, crafts, and games. Right?
Children can still enjoy the inflatable turkeys and harvest blessings. But, there’s more!
It is more important however to instill in your child a heart that is very thankful and shows gratitude.
You can start to teach your kids about gratitude with this.
We must prayerfully ask the Holy Spirit through the word of God and our example, to instill a practical attitude of gratefulness in the hearts of our kids.
Teach them to be thankful for who they are and for what they have because there will always be that someone else more successful, more beautiful, more talented, and more influential.
With “grateful together,” parents and children can connect more closely with both big and little things.
Most people, including children of God, often fail to acknowledge their blessings and give thanks.
Sometimes we feel entitled.
Reflecting on thanksgiving Psalms and prayers can rekindle a spirit of thanksgiving and thankfullness in any season.
Thanksgiving Psalms and prayers will open our eyes to God’s numerous blessings, big and small.
These Psalms and practical prayer tips will help you voice your thanksgiving in the everyday moments of parenting your children.
Robert Brault said, “Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Place for writing thoughts.
What is Biblical Thanksgiving?
Thanksgiving means “the act of giving thanks; grateful acknowledgment of benefits or favors, especially to God.
An expression of thanks, especially to God.
A public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness. A day set apart for giving thanks to God.” (Dictionary.com)
Clickhere for this month’s uplifting biblical affirmations for courageous faith.
Why Should We Be Thankful?
It’s often difficult to be thankful during long days and hard nights.
But scientists have proven that gratefulness can be good for your mental health and well-being.
It is a success booster!
Being thankful and appreciative of tangible and intangible things we have received helps us to be happy and to build strong relationships with both God and man.
These 12 powerful thanksgiving Psalms and prayers will help you on your gratitude journey.
In any situation we find ourselves in, we should TRY to be thankful because it could be worse.
Can We Be Grateful In The Face Of Adversity?
Yes, we can!
Philippians 4:12-13 says, “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Let’s dive in and find some Psalms with accompanying Prayer that will help us find reasons for gratitude even in the middle of adversity.
You can find power in your prayer like never before with this inspiring guide.
1.Thank Him that He Intimately Knows You And Your Children.
God created you and He created your kids.
“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”
Prayer:
With a grateful heart, we say thank you, Lord, that you know all about every detail of our lives.
Thank you, Lord, that you love me and my family unconditionally. You even know the words I am about to say.
Even when my thoughts make no sense to me, you understand my thoughts.
In the middle of the darkness of midnight, you see me waking to care for my little ones.
You oh Lord personally formed each and every one of my children. I praise you for your intimate knowledge and love for us.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
2. Thanksgiving Psalms and Prayers: Thank Him For His undying Love
Psalm 136:1-4
“Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good. His love endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods. His love endures forever.
Give thanks to the Lord of lords: His love endures forever.
to him who alone does great wonders, His love endures forever. “
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that your love endures forever. Thank you that your commitment and covenant loyalty never leave us.
When we are exhausted and feel like a failure, your love endures forever.
No matter what happens to us and no matter what this day holds, your love endures forever.
You do great wonders, and you are good to us. Thank you for your everlasting love.
Psalm 34: 1-4
I will bless the LORD at all times;
His praise will always be on my lips.
My soul boasts in the LORD;
let the oppressed hear and rejoice.
Magnify the LORD with me;
let us exalt His name together.
I sought the LORD, and He answered me;
He delivered me from all my fears.
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes fear swirls around me like a dark cloud.
When I pray to you, you enter my situation and remind me of your presence.
Thank you that you can deliver us from all our fears. I pray that you calm my tired heart.
Give me peace in every uncertainty of life. Take away our fear and guide our steps. Thank you that you rescue us from fear.
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
4. Thank You for Godly people You Send My Way
Psalm 111:1 Praise the LORD! I will thank the LORD with all my heart as I meet with His godly people.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for all the godly people you have placed around me and my children. Thank you for godly family members and friends.
Help me thank you with all my heart as I fellowship with other believers.
Right now, I lift an extra prayer of thanksgiving for all the people that intercede prayerfully for me and my family.
I praise you for the ability to pray, praise, learn, and worship together. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
5. Thank You Lord For Being Our Shepherd
Psalm 95:6-7
O come, let us worship and bow down;
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.
For He is our God,
and we are the people of His pasture,
the sheep under His care.
Prayer:
Lord, we kneel before you in humble gratitude.
Thank you for taking care of us like a shepherd takes care of their sheep.
What could be a more beautiful picture of tender, attentive care? You know each of your sheep individually. You think about their needs.
Lord, You even notice when just one is missing or have strayed. You oh Lord search for the lost.
We praise you and thank you for being our Shepherd and for taking care of us! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
6. Thanksgiving Psalms and Prayers: Praise the Lord In The Morning!
Psalm 92:1-3
It is good to praise the LORD, and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, to proclaim Your loving devotion in the morning
and Your faithfulness at night with the ten-stringed harp
and the melody of the lyre.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for the miracle of waking up each morning.
Lord, help me to make my first thought about you. When I wake up in the morning, help me not to allow fear to come rushing in.
Help me to direct my thoughts to your love, grace, and mercy.
May I remember your provision for me and give praise to you!
In gratefulness, help me to gain a peaceful and joyful outlook for the rest of the day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
7. Thank The Lord For Forgiveness!
Psalm 103:1, 3-4
Bless the LORD, O my soul;
all that is within me, bless His holy name.
He who forgives all your iniquities
and heals all your diseases,
who redeems your life from the Pit
and crowns you with loving devotion and compassion.
Prayer:
Father, we thank you for being so merciful and kind.
Lord, we acknowledge our many sins and failures. Thank you so very much that you forgive us for our sins. You heal us from the consequences of our actions.
Thank you, Lord, for providing us with total restoration in your New Creation.
Help us to love and worship you and live with a heart of gratitude today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
8. Praise The Lord For His Many Blessings
Psalm 103:2, 5 Bless the LORD, O my soul,
and do not forget all His kind deeds—
who satisfies you with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for all your blessings.
Thank you for the little things, like a baby’s smile or a toddler’s laugh. Thanks for little hands clasped in mine.
We praise you for the sleeping faces of little ones. Thanks for the nights we get some sleep, and for satisfying us with good things, even if it’s hard.
Thank you for renewing our health and our hearts. We praise you for all the blessings of love that you give us every day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
9. Praise The Lord For His Strength In Times Of Difficulty
Psalm 69:29-30
But I am in pain and distress;
let Your salvation protect me, O God.
I will praise God’s name in song
and exalt Him with thanksgiving.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for being with me when I go through times of difficulty.
You know that there are times when the pain overwhelms me. Physical pain and sickness discourage me. Emotional pain brings me down.
Sometimes, I am so low I don’t even know what to pray for. So, I thank you for your salvation in times of pain.
Thank you that the psalmist got through to the other side. We praise you for his songs of praise to You!
Thank you Lord that no weapon formed against me and my family will ever prosper.
I praise you that great joy is ahead for me, as well. I can get through any difficulty! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
10. Thank Him Because Joy is Coming!
Psalm 30:4-5
Sing to the LORD, O you His saints,
and praise His holy name.
For His anger is fleeting,
but His favor lasts a lifetime.
Weeping may stay the night,
but joy comes in the morning.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank you that weeping doesn’t last forever. I praise you that you promise that joy comes in the morning.
When everything looks bleak, help me trust in your promises. By your grace and mercy, tomorrow morning, the joy will come. I know it will come in the eternal dawn of heaven.
Weeping is not permanent! I praise you for this hopeful promise. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
11. Praise the Lord for Hearing Your Cry
Psalm 28:6-7
Blessed be the LORD,
for He has heard my cry for mercy.
The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.
Therefore, my heart rejoices,
and I give thanks to Him with my song.
Prayer:
Lord, I praise you that you are never distracted. You are not preoccupied with your phone or watching the news!
You attentively listen to my every cry. Thank you that you hear me, even right now. Thank you because my season of Joy is here. You make all things beautiful.
Thank you that I can sing to you because you are my shield. You protect me from fear and distress. I praise you for listening to me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
12. Praise God for His Salvation
Psalm 95:1-2
“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.”
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you are our Savior. You died on the cross and rose again to make a way for us to be saved.
As we trust in you, we are saved from the punishment of our sins. We are also saved for victory and peace! You save us from fear and give us freedom!
Thank you that one day, you will save us from every bit of pain and suffering in this world. We give you thanks! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
As you pray these thanksgiving Psalms and Prayers to God, I pray your life will be enriched.
I pray you find new joy with your little ones. I trust that your heart will be lifted and connected to the heart of your Savior.
Praise His name!
May God bless you and your family this Thanksgiving season and always.
Small Love Gestures that Keep a Relationship Going Strong.
You may have seen the catchphrase, “It’s the small moments that make life big,” plastered in a sentimental scrapbook or posted beside a baby photo on social media.
But have you ever taken the time to think carefully about the truth behind this statement?
We often work, labor, and stress to achieve great moments: a vacation, a college degree, or a great milestone.
But we don’t take the time to realize that each everyday experience with our friends, spouses, and children are the stuff of life.
The love dare is a 40-day challenge for husbands and wives to understand and practice unconditional love.
It’s the small love gestures that keep any relationship going good.
Show you care by asking about their day. You can ask as soon as they get home or over dinner.
Do a simple online search for conversation starters for couples, then bring those questions into your daily life.
Here’s a link to 100 questions that every couple needs in their relationship – the questions were specifically designed to build trust, openness, and eventually feelings of deep intimacy.
Don’t just rotate in the same ruts that you’ve always used.
Try to bring in new topics of conversation and learn something new about your spouse every day.
Asking your partner about their day is a small love gesture that shows that you care.
#4. Surprise Your Partner With gifts As a Love Gesture
Listen to your spouse’s conversation and try to tune into the small nuances that provide clues to the things they like and dislike.
Then surprise them with gifts “just because.” It will bring a smile to your spouse’s face.
Meaningful gift ideas include flowers, gourmet chocolates, special cookies, perfumes/colognes, or anything that can make their day special.
Essential oils – EO, is not a woman’s only thing anymore.
Reach out and make the first move. Show your spouse you care and want to connect.
#7. Create Daily Rituals In Your Relationship
Every relationship should have rhythms and patterns of connection.
These patterns lend stability to relationships.
Check-in every morning over coffee. Hold hands and pray. Call each other at lunchtime and check-in.
Take time each week to go over that week’s schedule and pray together over your week.
Doing your rituals on a regular, recurring basis will help you and your spouse feel safe.
Becky Bailey calls these rituals of connection, “I Love You Rituals.”
She says that “I Love You Rituals” contains four ingredients: playfulness, simple touch, presence, and gentle eye contact.
While most of her I Love You Rituals are geared for adults connecting with children, partners can incorporate the same principles into their interactions with one another.
Are you truly present with your spouse during that quick kiss? Do you touch them gently, look fondly into their eyes, and express playfulness and joy?
It’s these little things that matter.
#8. Respond To Your Spouse’s “Bids.”
Dr. Steve Call says that couples are constantly sending out “bids” for attention.
