Sample Thanksgiving Prayer

Every year families and friends get together to say thanks. Many families will say a Thanksgiving prayer at the dinner table before a meal. Saying grace is a time honored tradition to voice to God gratitude for all He has given the world. Here is a simple Christian Thanksgiving prayer you can say on this holiday:

Thanksgiving Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for bringing us all together today. Though this one day every year we come to you in gratitude, we are grateful year-round for what you have provided for us. Each of us has been blessed by you this year in different ways, and for that we are grateful.

Lord, we are grateful for the food on our plates this holiday. When so many people are suffering, you provide for us a bounty. We are grateful for the fact that you have connected each of our lives in ways that honor you and show how much you love each of us. Thank you for the love you provide to us through one another.

And, we praise you Lord for all you have sacrificed for us through your son, Jesus Christ. You made the ultimate sacrifice for our sins. We are grateful for your forgiveness when we sin. We are grateful for your kindness when we make mistakes. We are grateful for your strength when we need help getting back on our feet. You are there to provide a hand, warmth, and so much more love than we deserve.

Lord, let us never forget how much we owe to you and let us always be humble before you. Thank you for giving to us, keeping us safe. Thank you for providing and protecting. In Your holy name, Amen.

Traditions of Saying Grace at Thanksgiving

Your family may have their own traditional grace prayer that is said before meals. This can be very meaningful when your family can only get together for holidays and major celebrations. Even if family members no longer practice the same faith, it ties them together.

Grace may be traditionally led by the patriarch or matriarch of the family, the head of the household where the meal is being shared, or by a family member who is a member of the clergy. But it can also be made a special honor for younger family members.

If you want to be the one to lead grace at Thanksgiving, discuss it with the person in your family who usually has that honor or the host of the meal if you are dining with friends. They may be happy to have you lead grace, or they may prefer to follow their usual tradition.

Establishing Your Own Thanksgiving Grace Prayer

If your family never had a tradition of saying grace, but you have started doing so because of your new dedication to your faith, you have the chance to establish a new tradition. You can use the sample prayer or use it as a way to inspire you to write your own. It is courteous to discuss this with those who are hosting the dinner in advance. For example, if you'll be dining at your grandparents house, discuss it with them.

When you are sharing your table with those who are not Christian, you can use your judgment as to how much of your faith to include in grace. Expressing gratitude for having food, shelter, family, friends, employment, and health is valued by all philosophies. It is your choice as to whether this is a time you want to include the basic statements of your faith in the grace prayer.

Sometimes you may be the only person of your faith at the table and you can sense that leading grace would not be welcomed. At those times, you can make your prayer silently before you begin your meal. Your example is likely to be noticed and it may open an opportunity to share your faith with your loved ones.