Thanksgiving is a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about gratitude and the importance of giving thanks. Simple, heartfelt prayers can help little ones express their feelings in a way that’s easy for them to understand. Whether you’re leading a family prayer or encouraging your child to say their own, these kid-friendly Thanksgiving prayers are perfect for the occasion.
Here are five prayers to share with kids this Thanksgiving:
- “Thank You, God, for all the good things in our lives. Thank You for our food, our family, and all the love we feel today. Amen.”
- “Dear God, we are so thankful for this special day. Thank You for our friends and for taking care of us every day. Amen.”
- “Lord, thank You for the yummy food on our table and for the people who made it. Please bless everyone, especially those who have less. Amen.”
- “Heavenly Father, we are thankful for our family, our home, and all the fun we get to have together. We love You! Amen.”
- “Dear God, thank You for giving us so many reasons to smile. We are thankful for Your love and all Your blessings. Amen.”
These prayers are simple enough for kids to say on their own, and they help them understand the joy of gratitude.
Teach your little ones the power of a thankful heart this holiday season! 🦃❤️
short and Simple Thanksgiving Prayers for Young Kids
Prayer 1: Thank You, God
“Dear God,
Thank You for the food we eat,
Thank You for our family sweet.
Thank You for the world so bright,
Thank You for Your love and light. Amen.”
Prayer 2: God Is Good
“God is good, God is great,
We thank Him for the food on our plate.
Bless our family, near and far,
Thank You for loving us just as we are. Amen.”
Prayer 3: For the Blessings Around Us
“Dear Jesus,
Thank You for the blessings all around—
Our home, our food, and the love we’ve found.
Help us to share, to love, and to care. Amen.”
Prayer 4: Little Hands Thank You
“Thank You, God, for my little hands,
For food, for play, and loving plans.
Bless my family and friends today,
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”
Prayer 5: Thank You for Everything
“Dear God,
Thank You for everything—big and small,
For hugs, for toys, and for loving us all. Amen.”
Mealtime Prayers: Giving Thanks for the Feast
Prayer 1: Thank You for Our Feast
“Dear God,
Thank You for the food we see,
For turkey, pies, and family.
Bless this meal and those we love,
We thank You, Lord, from up above. Amen.”
Prayer 2: A Grateful Heart
“Dear Jesus,
We thank You for this special day,
For yummy food and time to play.
Bless our family, near and far,
And keep us safe wherever we are. Amen.”
Prayer 3: For All Your Blessings
“Dear Lord,
Thank You for this table so full,
For love that makes our hearts joyful.
Help us share with those in need,
And bless this feast we’re about to eat. Amen.”
Prayer 4: Bless This Day
“Dear God,
Thank You for this Thanksgiving Day,
For family, food, and time to pray.
Bless our hearts with joy and cheer,
And keep us close throughout the year. Amen.”
Prayer 5: Thanks for the Good Things
“God, we thank You for the food,
For all the hands that made it good.
For family, friends, and laughter too,
We give our thanks, Lord, up to You. Amen.”
Bedtime Thanksgiving Prayers for Kids
Prayers to Reflect on Blessings at the End of the Day
Prayer 1: Thank You for Today
“Dear God,
Thank You for this wonderful day,
For family, friends, and time to play.
Thank You for the love we share,
And for always hearing our prayer. Amen.”
Prayer 2: Grateful Hearts at Night
“Dear Jesus,
As I lay down to sleep,
Thank You for blessings big and deep.
For food, for love, and a warm, safe bed,
Thank You for all that lies ahead. Amen.”
Prayer 3: Blessings from Above
“Dear God,
Thank You for the stars so bright,
For holding me through the night.
Thank You for my home and care,
And for Your love everywhere. Amen.”
Prayer 4: A Thankful Child
“Dear Lord,
Tonight, I thank You for my day,
For helping me learn, love, and pray.
Bless my family, near and far,
And keep us safe, wherever we are. Amen.”
Prayer 5: End of the Day Thanks
“Dear God,
At the end of the day, I thank You so,
For all the blessings You bestow.
Watch over me as I sleep tight,
And fill my dreams with Your light. Amen.”
Prayers About Thankfulness for Family and Friends
Focused on Gratitude for Relationships and Loved Ones
Prayer 1: Thank You for Family and Friends
“Dear God,
Thank You for the people I love—
For family and friends sent from above.
Bless them all with joy and care,
And keep us close, everywhere. Amen.”
Prayer 2: A Grateful Heart for Loved Ones
“Dear Jesus,
I’m thankful for my family dear,
And for my friends who bring me cheer.
Help us to love and always share,
To show Your kindness everywhere. Amen.”
Prayer 3: A Circle of Love
“Dear Lord,
Thank You for the love we share,
For hugs and laughter, and hearts that care.
Bless my family and friends today,
And guide us always in Your way. Amen.”
Prayer 4: Thankful for Togetherness
“God above,
Thank You for family near and far,
For all the friends who know who we are.
For laughter, love, and memories sweet,
I’m so thankful our hearts can meet. Amen.”
Prayer 5: Bless My Loved Ones
“Dear God,
Thank You for those who make me smile,
For their love that goes the extra mile.
Bless my family and my friends,
With love that never ends. Amen.”
Scripture-Inspired Thanksgiving Prayers for Kids
Short Prayers Based on Bible Verses About Gratitude
Prayer 1: Give Thanks Always (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
“Dear God,
‘Give thanks in all circumstances,’ the Bible says,
So I thank You for this wonderful day.
Thank You for my family, food, and fun,
And for Jesus, Your precious Son. Amen.”
Prayer 2: Every Good Gift (James 1:17)
“Dear Lord,
‘Every good and perfect gift is from above,’
Thank You for my family and friends I love.
For food and blessings big and small,
I know You’ve given them all. Amen.”
Prayer 3: God’s Love Endures Forever (Psalm 136:1)
“Dear God,
‘Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good;
His love endures forever.’
Thank You for Your love so true,
And for all the ways You care for me too. Amen.”
Prayer 4: Thank You for Everything (Colossians 3:17)
“Dear Jesus,
‘Whatever you do, give thanks to God.’
So I thank You for my happy heart,
For family, food, and every part
Of this day You’ve made so sweet. Amen.”
Prayer 5: Shout for Joy (Psalm 100:1-2)
“Dear Lord,
I ‘shout for joy to the Lord’ today,
Thank You for my blessings in every way.
I’ll serve You with gladness, sing with cheer,
And thank You for being always near. Amen.”
Thanksgiving Prayers for School and Sunday School
Prayers Teachers or Group Leaders Can Share with Children
Prayer 1: Thank You, God, for Everything
“Dear God,
We come together to thank You today,
For friends, for learning, and time to play.
Thank You for teachers who help us grow,
And for Your love that we always know.
Bless our hearts and hands to share,
And keep us in Your loving care. Amen.”
Prayer 2: A Circle of Thanks
“Dear Lord,
We thank You for this special time,
For every face and every smile.
Bless our class with kindness and love,
And guide us with wisdom from above.
Thank You for all You give each day,
And help us walk in Your loving way. Amen.”
Prayer 3: Learning with Grateful Hearts
“God,
Thank You for the gift of school,
For books to read and learning tools.
Bless our teachers, friends, and families too,
And guide us always to follow You. Amen.”
Prayer 4: Gratitude for Blessings
“Dear God,
Thank You for our school and friends,
For lessons learned and time to spend.
Help us show kindness, work, and care,
And always remember You’re everywhere.
We are grateful for all we have today,
And give You thanks in every way. Amen.”
Prayer 5: Thank You for This Class
“Dear Lord,
Thank You for bringing us all here,
For the joy of learning year by year.
Bless our classmates and teachers too,
And help us always follow You.
May we be thankful for this day,
And show Your love in all we say. Amen.”
Thanksgiving Prayers for Gratitude Beyond the Table
Encouraging Children to Pray for People in Need, the Environment, and Global Peace
Prayer 1: For People in Need
“Dear God,
Thank You for the blessings we receive,
For food, a home, and love to believe.
We pray for those who have much less,
Please comfort them and bring them rest.
Help us to share and show we care,
So everyone feels Your love everywhere. Amen.”
Prayer 2: For Our Beautiful World
“Dear Lord,
Thank You for the earth so bright,
For oceans deep and stars at night.
Help us care for trees and air,
For every creature everywhere.
Guide us to be wise and kind,
Protecting the world You designed. Amen.”
Prayer 3: For Peace Around the World
“Dear Jesus,
Thank You for peace in our hearts today,
But we know some live in fear and dismay.
We pray for kindness, hope, and care,
And for peace to grow everywhere.
Help us be lights in the darkest place,
Spreading love and showing grace. Amen.”
Prayer 4: For Helping Hands and Hearts
“Dear God,
Thank You for hands that help and give,
For kind hearts that show how to live.
Help us to help those in need,
And follow Your ways in every deed.
Bless the world with love and light,
And help us make wrong things right. Amen.”
Prayer 5: For the Whole Wide World
“Dear Lord,
Thank You for the world so wide,
For mountains tall and oceans tide.
We pray for people far and near,
Who need Your love to calm their fear.
Bring us together with peace and grace,
To share Your hope in every place. Amen.”
Thanksgiving Prayers Kids Can Personalize
Frameworks for Children to Create Their Own Prayers
Framework 1: “Thank You, God, for…
“Dear God,
Thank You for [something they’re thankful for, e.g., family, friends, a pet].
Thank You for [another blessing, e.g., food, school, fun times].
Please bless [someone they care about, e.g., grandparents, siblings, teachers].
Help me to [a positive action, e.g., share, be kind, help others].
I love You, God. Amen.”
Framework 2: “I’m Grateful for…
“Dear God,
I’m grateful for [a person who helps them, e.g., mom, dad, teacher].
I’m grateful for [something in nature, e.g., the sun, flowers, animals].
Please watch over [someone they want to pray for, e.g., a friend, someone in need].
Thank You for all You give me every day. Amen.”
Framework 3: “Today I Thank You For…
“Dear Lord,
Today I thank You for [something fun they did, e.g., playing, learning, creating].
I thank You for [something that made them happy, e.g., a hug, a kind word].
Please help me to [something they want to do better, e.g., be patient, share toys].
You are so good, and I love You. Amen.”
Framework 4: “Blessings Big and Small”
“Dear God,
Thank You for blessings big and small,
Like [something big, e.g., my family, my home] and [something small, e.g., my favorite snack, my toy].
I’m thankful for [a special memory, e.g., a trip, a game, a celebration].
Please bless [a specific person or group, e.g., my friends, people who are sick].
Thank You for always loving me. Amen.”
Framework 5: “A Prayer from My Heart”
“Dear God,
You give me so much to be thankful for.
I’m especially grateful for [something meaningful to them, e.g., love, a fun day].
I pray for [someone they want to pray for, e.g., someone far away, a neighbor].
Help me to [something they want to improve, e.g., be brave, help others].
Thank You for being with me always. Amen.”
Thanksgiving Prayers for Kids to Learn Gratitude All Year Long
Prayers to Extend Thanksgiving’s Spirit of Gratitude into Everyday Life
Prayer 1: A Thankful Heart Every Day
“Dear God,
Thank You for today, tomorrow, and always,
For the blessings You bring in so many ways.
Help me to see, in good times or bad,
The gifts You give that make me glad.
May my heart stay thankful all year through,
In everything I say and do. Amen.”
Prayer 2: Thank You for the Little Things
“Dear Lord,
Thank You for little things—
A bird that sings, a hug that brings
Joy to my heart each day.
Help me to notice, help me to share,
And show my thanks everywhere. Amen.”
Prayer 3: Gratitude in Every Season
“Dear God,
In summer’s sun and winter’s chill,
In autumn leaves and springtime thrills,
I thank You for the world I see,
And for the love You give to me.
Help me be grateful each day I live,
And to others, teach me to give. Amen.”
Prayer 4: Eyes to See Your Gifts
“Dear Jesus,
Open my eyes to all You’ve done,
From morning’s light to setting sun.
Thank You for blessings, both big and small,
Help me to notice and thank You for all.
Teach me to be grateful every day,
For Your love that guides my way. Amen.”
Prayer 5: Always Thankful
“Dear Lord,
Whether I’m happy or feeling blue,
Help me remember to thank You too.
For family, friends, and the love You share,
For always listening to my prayer.
Let gratitude fill my heart each day,
And guide my thoughts in every way. Amen.”
