Morning Prayer for Gratitude
Introduction
Every morning begins with a choice—to rush into the day or to pause and give thanks. Gratitude isn’t about pretending everything is perfect; it’s about noticing that even in imperfection, God is present. The practice of giving thanks steadies the heart. It reminds us that what we have is not random but received, not earned but entrusted.
When we start the day with gratitude, we reorient ourselves to God’s abundance. The small things—breath, light, family, food, work, rest—become reminders of grace. Gratitude changes how we see the day ahead. It keeps us from being consumed by what we lack and opens us to joy in what we have.
Scripture
“O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his steadfast love endures forever.”
Reflection
When you begin the morning with thanks, you begin it in the right direction. The psalmist doesn’t wait until everything is easy to give thanks—he starts there. Gratitude, then, is not a response to perfection but an act of faith.
Each day carries its share of difficulty. Yet in every situation, we can find one thing—a person, a place, a moment—for which to give thanks. Gratitude resets the soul. It grounds us in God’s goodness rather than our worries.
Even on hard mornings, you can whisper, “Lord, thank you.” Those three words may not change your circumstances, but they will change your heart. And that’s where renewal begins.
Morning Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for the gift of this new day. {pause}
Thank you for rest that restores and light that awakens. {pause}
Thank you for the people who love me and for the work you’ve given me to do. {pause}
When I am tempted to complain, turn my heart toward gratitude.
When I am weary, remind me of your steadfast love that never fails.
Let this day begin and end with thankfulness,
for all good things come from you.
Through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen. {pause}
Kid’s Prayer
Dear God, thank you for today! {pause}
Thank you for my breakfast, my friends, and my family. {pause}
Help me to say “thank you” with my words and my heart.
Even when things don’t go my way,
help me remember your love never stops. Amen. {pause}
