GROW IN FAITH 19 – Thanksgiving

Learning to Be Grateful

Opening Prayer

Lord,
You give us more than we can count.
Open our eyes to Your gifts.
Teach us to be grateful
in every season.
Amen.

Part One

Why Gratitude Matters

It is easy to notice what we do not have.

We may think about:

What others have.
What we wish were different.
What went wrong.

But the Bible says:

“In all things give thanks.”

Gratitude changes how we see the world.

When we give thanks,
we remember that life is a gift.

We remember that good things
come from God.

Even small blessings matter.

A kind word.
A meal.
A friend.
A new day.

Thanksgiving keeps the heart open.

Scripture

“In all things give thanks.”
(1 Thessalonians 5:18)

Think and Discuss

Why is it easier to complain than to give thanks?

Can gratitude change how we feel about a difficult day?

What are three small things you are thankful for right now?

Why do you think God wants us to be grateful?

Listen carefully and allow simple answers.

Part Two

Gratitude Shapes the Heart

When we give thanks regularly,

We grow in joy.
We grow in peace.
We grow in humility.

Gratitude reminds us
that we are not self-made.

Everything we have —

Our abilities.
Our opportunities.
Our relationships.
Our faith —

is a gift.

Even in hard times,
there is usually something to thank God for.

Gratitude does not ignore difficulty.

It helps us see beyond it.

A grateful heart becomes less jealous,
less anxious,
and more generous.

Guidance for Adults

Model simple gratitude aloud.
Children learn thanksgiving by hearing it expressed naturally and often.

Part Three

Practising Thanksgiving

Gratitude grows through repetition.

We can practise it daily.

We can say:

“Thank You for today.”
“Thank You for this meal.”
“Thank You for helping me.”

The Mass itself is an act of thanksgiving.

The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving.

When we attend Mass,
we join in giving thanks to God
for the greatest gift —
Jesus Himself.

Gratitude lifts the heart upward.

It keeps us from taking life for granted.

It teaches us to notice
what is already good.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of three gifts in your life.

Now say quietly:

“Thank You, Lord.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Thank God for three things before going to bed each night.
• Say grace slowly before meals.
• Write one sentence of thanks each day.
• Thank someone in your life for something specific.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“In all things give thanks.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Place your hand over your heart.
Say: “Thank You for this day.”

Closing Prayer

Lord,
You are generous and faithful.
Help us notice Your gifts.
Keep our hearts grateful and joyful.
Teach us to give thanks in all things.
Amen.