The Art and Science of Gratitude

By Kristy Solis

Do you teach your child about the depths of gratitude?

For my children, gratitude is part of our prayer ritual. After we pray as a family, we take turns individually expressing what we are grateful for.

My children always surprise me with their gratitude from being thankful for family, friends and even experiences.  Then, one night I asked my children, “Why is gratitude an important part of our prayer routine?”  My oldest daughter’s uncertain response was “God wants us to be grateful.”

We turned to the Bible to help enlighten us about the importance of living a life of gratitude. The following Scripture helped explain the art of gratitude.  “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe” (Hebrew 12:28).

This discovery of gratitude was to always be thankful, but to rejoice that these are gifts from God.

Now, as a family, we do not just practice the science of gratitude with rituals of gratitude by praying, by writing thank you notes or simply by saying thank you.  In addition, we practice the art of gratitude with remembrance and prayer of thanksgiving that these gifts of gratitude are formed in the light of God.

Let us pray,

A Prayer for Gratitude (adapted by Debbie McDaniel)
Dear God,
Thank you for your amazing power and work in our lives, thank you for your goodness and for your blessings over us. Thank you that you are able to bring hope through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purposes. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you for your mercy and grace. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your incredible sacrifice so that we might have freedom and life. Forgive us for when we don’t thank you enough, for who you are, for all that you do, for all that you’ve given. Help us to set our eyes and our hearts on you afresh. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. We give you praise and thanks, for you alone are worthy!
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.