Gratitude: Preparing Our Hearts for Thanksgiving

Blog by Gem Fadling

My earliest memories of Thanksgiving are, of course, all about the food. My mom liked to cook ahead, so the day before Thanksgiving was our prep day. She did all the heavy lifting and I would get the safer, easier jobs—stuffing celery with cream cheese, opening the cans of cranberry sauce, making mashed potatoes from flakes that came in a box.

Fast-forward to the present and my own family. Awhile back we decided we did not prefer turkey and regular Thanksgiving side dishes, so we switched to ribeye steaks and mashed potatoes. It is certainly not traditional, but for us it makes for a much more enjoyable meal.

Whether or not you feel nostalgic about food this time of year , one dynamic is always welcome: a heart of gratitude.

Gratitude is a spiritual practice that draws us closer to God. It’s not merely acknowledging the good in our lives but recognizing the Giver of all good things. The Psalms are full of expressions of gratitude, even amid life’s challenges.

Psalm 118:24 reminds us, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (NRSV). The psalmist invites us to a posture of joy and gratitude, regardless of our circumstances.

How do we prepare our hearts to genuinely live out this posture of gratitude as Thanksgiving nears? Here are some practical steps to ponder:

Start with Reflection

 Before the busyness of the holiday begins, set aside some time for quiet reflection. Consider keeping a gratitude journal where you can daily write down things you are thankful for. Reflect on Psalm 103:2, “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Writing down our blessings helps us to remember them, especially those we might otherwise overlook.

Think about the past year. What moments stand out? Where have you seen God’s faithfulness, even in small ways? Maybe you engaged challenges that led to growth, or unexpected blessings that brought joy. In reflection, we pivot our hearts to recognize God’s ongoing work in our lives.

Practice Intentional Gratitude

 Gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger with use. It’s easy to be grateful when things are going well, but the real test comes when we choose gratitude during difficult times. Psalm 34:1 says, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips.” This verse invites us to cultivate a heart of gratitude, regardless of our situation.

One practical way to do this is by setting aside moments throughout the day to pause and give thanks. It could be as simple as offering a prayer of gratitude before a meal, thanking God for the food and for the people who prepared it. Or, as you go about your daily routine, take a moment to thank God for a few little things: the warmth of the sun, the sound of laughter, the kindness of a friend.

Express Gratitude to Others

 Thanksgiving can often be a double-edged sword. It is a time for gathering with family and friends, but it can also be a time of stress and unmet expectations. One way to build healthier connections is by expressing gratitude to those around you.

Take the opportunity to speak words of appreciation to those with whom you gather. A handwritten note, a kind word, or a simple thank-you can help knit hearts together. This Thanksgiving, accept the invitation to express gratitude often.

Give Back in Gratitude

 Gratitude can often overflow into acts of generosity. When we remember how much we have been given, our natural response could be to share openhandedly with others. Proverbs 11:25 says, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Give thought to how you might give back this season. Maybe you could volunteer at a local food bank, help an elderly neighbor, or invite someone who might be alone to share in your Thanksgiving meal. These acts of kindness not only bless others but also deepen our own sense of gratitude and purpose.

Prepare Your Heart Through Worship

 Finally, you might want to make some time for personal or corporate worship. Worship is a wonderful way to foster a heart of gratitude because it shifts our focus from our circumstances to the greatness of God.

Psalm 100:4-5 says, “Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Feel free to get creative in your worship. If you’re musical, play and sing aloud. Or simply listen to your favorite songs on your phone playlist. You can also spend some time praying, looking up psalms of thanksgiving to read aloud. In whatever way you choose to worship, let your heart fill with gratitude and spill out in words or songs of thanks.

Let the words of Psalm 136:1 help you: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” And may you be blessed as you express your gratitude to God and to those around you, especially as we enter Thanksgiving week.

Reflection

Which one of these sounds the most doable to you? Find the invitation within and make a plan to engage. 

• Start with Reflection
• Practice Intentional Gratitude
• Express Gratitude to Others
• Give Back in Gratitude
• Prepare Your Heart Through Worship