Helping children discover what God’s Word says about giving thanks through Scripture, conversation, and creativity.
We teach children to say “thank you” almost from the time they can talk. Thank you for a gift. Thank you for helping. Thank you for sharing.
But when we open the Bible, we discover that thankfulness is about more than good manners.
Scripture invites us to notice God’s goodness, remember what He has done, and tell others about Him.
So how can we help children understand what it means to give thanks to God? Let’s explore a few things together!
I was reading Psalm 106:1 when two little phrases caught my attention.
GIVE THANKS.
And then…
FOR.
“Give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” — Psalm 106:1 (KJV)
Did you notice that?
The verse doesn’t simply tell us to give thanks. It gives us a reason.
Because God is good.
And as I began looking at other passages about thankfulness, I noticed something interesting.
In 1 Chronicles 16:8–12, we’re encouraged to give thanks, make God’s deeds known, and remember His wonderful works.
In Psalm 107:1–2, giving thanks is connected to speaking about what the Lord has done.
And in Psalm 103:2, David reminds himself not to forget God’s benefits.
Do you see the connection?
Notice. Remember. Tell.
Thankfulness isn’t only something we feel. It’s something we can express as we remember who God is and what He has done.
And here’s another interesting discovery.
In John 6:11, Jesus gave thanks before distributing the bread and fish. In John 11:41, He gave thanks before calling Lazarus from the tomb.
Daniel continued giving thanks to God even when praying could cost him his life (Daniel 6:10).
These passages remind us that giving thanks isn’t limited to moments when everything is going the way we hoped.
Sometimes we give thanks for what God has done. Sometimes we give thanks while we’re still waiting.
And sometimes our thankfulness becomes an opportunity to tell someone else about Him.
Thankfulness can travel!
Here’s a simple way to explore this with your children.
Open your Bible to Psalm 106:1.
Read the verse together, then ask your child to listen for the word for.
Ask:
What does this verse tell us to do?
What reason does it give us for thanking God?
What are some ways we’ve seen God’s goodness in our lives?
Give your child time to think. You might be surprised by what they notice!
Then try something together.
Take a piece of paper and draw three simple circles. Write one word in each:
NOTICE → REMEMBER → TELL
Notice: Ask your child to think of something that reminds them of God’s goodness.
Remember: Read a Scripture passage that tells us something about God’s character or what He has done.
Tell: Encourage your child to share what they’ve discovered with someone else.
Maybe they tell a grandparent, share a favorite Bible verse, or make a little thank-you card.
The goal isn’t simply to make a list of things we’re thankful for. It’s to help children connect their gratitude to the God who gives us every good gift.
And when they begin telling others about His goodness, thankfulness travels!
What happens when we begin looking more closely at what Scripture says about giving thanks?
In this Bible video, we’ll explore the little words and connections that help us discover why we give thanks, how we remember God’s goodness, and what happens when we tell others about Him.
Each month we create a themed Bible verse calendar and include printables, coloring pages, activities and Art lessons! Use these for daily Bible reading, study or Scripture memorization. By signing up, you will also receive access to our Freebie Library with a few more free Bible resource goodies!
What if your children could explore thankfulness beyond simply making a list of things they’re grateful for?
Our Thanks to God! Bible Adventure Collection invites children to investigate Scripture, discover examples of thankfulness throughout the Bible, and respond through creative activities.
Through four connected Adventures, children explore what it means to give thanks, remember God’s goodness, and share what they’ve discovered.
Along the way, they’ll encounter Scripture and people such as Hannah, Daniel, and the man who returned to thank Jesus.
With the Parent Guide and Scripture reading resources, families can explore together through our familiar rhythm:
Notice • Explore • Create • Remember
Sometimes creating something helps children slow down and think about what they’ve discovered.
Psalm 100 Bible Art lesson- Actions of Thanksgiving
As your children create, talk about how the artwork can remind them of God’s goodness and the things they’ve discovered in His Word.
Thankfulness Bible Verse Printables
Help children spend more time with Scripture through our November Bible verse printable collection.
These activities provide creative opportunities to read, explore, and remember passages about giving thanks.
There’s so much more to discover about thankfulness in Scripture!
Explore our Bible verses about giving thanks article for additional passages, explanations, and opportunities to investigate God’s Word.
Sometimes one activity is just the beginning!
If your family enjoys exploring God’s Word through art, hands-on activities, and creative Bible studies, you might enjoy becoming a ReMEMBERer.
Our ReMEMBERers Creativity Library brings together Bible art lessons, monthly printables, Bible Adventures, and other creative ways to keep God’s Word close to your heart.
Explore the ReMEMBERers Creativity Library
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Our desire is sharing God’s Word and love through creative resources for all learning styles.
