Thanksgiving is that special time of year when gratitude and family gatherings take center stage. Of course, the holiday reminds you of turkey (perfectly cooked or not), cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, and that all-time American Autumn favorite: football.
But there’s so much more to it! Though often a busy time, Thanksgiving is a perfect opportunity to pause, reflect, and express genuine thankfulness. Whether you’re gathered around a table with family and friends or enjoying quiet moments alone, there’s no better time to let God’s Word inspire your heart of gratitude.
This article was first published November 6, 2017 and last updated on October 17, 2024.
The Origin of Thanksgiving: George Washington’s Proclamation
Long before Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday, George Washington made it official with his own proclamation.
On October 3, 1789, Washington called for a non-sectarian day of prayer, devotion, and thanksgiving. Here’s a glimpse of the language he used:
- “it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor.”
- “both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me “to recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God.”
- “that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations, and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions.”
Imagine if our leaders today spoke with even a fraction of that conviction!
By the way, you can read his entire proclamation and download document images, transcripts, and ready to use classroom resources.
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
12 Bible Verses for a Thankful Heart
Would you like these verses in a printable infographic?
[Download it here for free!]
Let these Bible verses inspire you as you reflect on the blessings in your life this Thanksgiving:
1. Psalm 100:4-5
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
2. Psalm 116:17
“I will offer to you the sacrifice of thanksgiving and call on the name of the Lord.”
3. Philippians 4:6
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
4. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
5. Psalm 95:2
“Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!”
6. Psalm 7:17
“I will give to the Lord the thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.”
7. Nehemiah 12:46
“For long ago in the days of David and Asaph there were directors of the singers, and there were songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.”
8. Psalm 50:23
“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!”
9. Ephesians 5:20
“…giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ…”
10. Revelation 7:12
“Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever! Amen.”
11. 1 Chronicles 16:34
“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!”
12. Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.”
Bonus: 5 Inspiring Quotes from Christian Leaders on Thankfulness
1. G.K. Chesterton
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.”
2. D.L. Moody
“Careful for nothing, prayerful for everything, thankful for anything.”
3. Jeremy Taylor
“From David learn to give thanks for everything. Every furrow in the Book of Psalms is sown with the seeds of thanksgiving.”
4. John Bunyan
“A sensible thanksgiving for mercies received is a mighty prayer in the Spirit of God. It prevails with Him unspeakably.”
5. C. S. Lewis
“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is “good,” because is it good, if “bad” because it works in us patience, humility, and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.”
If you found this post helpful or inspiring, share it with someone who could use a little extra encouragement this Thanksgiving! And don’t forget to grab your free printable infographic of these Bible verses to display or share with others.
Neat list of Scriptures and quotes. I’m most thankful for my family (three amazing daughters, and incredible wife, and a new baby on the way). Thanks for the excellent reminder of the value of thankfulness. Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!
Hi Jed, I agree that daughters are amazing! I have 2 and an amazing wife, plus 1 granddaughter…like you so much to be thankful for. A very happy Thanksgiving to you and your family also, thank you for your comment!
Awesome roundup! My favorite of these (at the moment): “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” Psalm 50:23
Lately I have felt a conviction to purely worship during my time with the Lord rather than rattle off concerns and requests. I did a small prayer journal entry today and my question was how can I glorify you, Lord? He lead me right back to the idea of giving thanks… Thankful for who he is, what he’s done, and thankful for the many gifts and blessings I often take for granted. If I had to choose one thing I am most thankful for it would be for this time on earth and the life he has given me!
Be blessed,
Rachel 🙂
Hey Rachel, it’s always great to hear from you! I’m thankful for your insight, which never fails to cause me to stop and reflect.
I’m in agreement with you on that Psalm in these recent months, “The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me…” It’s been a trying year and sometimes (no, often times) it takes all of my focus to continue to glorify Him in the midst of it all. Thankfully He is unchanging, faithful, and true.
Thanks for checking this post out, blessings to you as well!!
Thank you came across this on Pinterest. Was looking for scripture to read before Thanksgiving Dinner. Happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Once again thank you!!!!
Hi Carrie, so glad this blessed your Thanksgiving table, thank you for sharing that! 😀