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(Click on a date above to jump to the verse and reflection for a specific day.)

We have so much to be grateful for in this life each and every day. But the reality is that sometimes constant life demands, struggles, and worries give more room to defeat than to a thankful heart. Or we forget, in the midst of busyness and pressures, to pause and give thanks for all that God has done and continues to do in our lives.

Sometimes it can be a sacrifice to offer praise and thanks because we are struggling and weary. Maybe we feel like God let us down or is distant and doesn’t really care about what’s troubling us. Pandemic fatigue, painful life blows, and losses might have sent us spiraling.

We have a choice, every day, to give God thanks. With a heart of thanksgiving, we realize that no matter what we face, God doesn’t just work to change our situation, but changes our hearts. We are transformed by God’s power which releases the grip our struggles have over us. We are strengthened by God’s peace and renewed by God’s joy.

Throughout life’s trials and blessings, displaying a general attitude of gratitude distinguishes the Christian, but it also makes you a lovely person to be around. Practicing gratitude actually increases dopamine in your brain (the stuff that makes you feel good!) and encourages your brain to seek more of the same. Scientifically speaking, the more you are grateful for, the more you will find things to be grateful for. Join us for a new daily habit for the month of November.

We have gathered a collection of Bible verses and reflection questions to inspire daily gratitude in your heart. Hoping to involve all ages, we have created a few ways for you to engage: this daily online calendar, daily Facebook posts, a printable gratitude journal, and a printable leaf activity and tree. Paper copies of the personal journal and leaf activity can be picked up in the school entryway. We encourage everyone to make this a daily habit as a sign of our unity of prayer in this time of distance and to strengthen our gratitude.

Loving 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 for the hope you bring through even the toughest of times, strengthening us for your purpose. Thank you for your great love and care. Thank you that you are always with us and will never leave us. Thank you for your Son Jesus, for the truth of his word and the example of his life. Replenish our spirits with new strength and prepare us to meet each day with renewed gratitude and joy. Renew our spirits, fill us with your peace and joy. We love you and we need you, this day and every day. May all of our words and actions give you praise and glory.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

In Jesus’ Name,

Amen.

A Verse a Day for the Month of November

November 1

Verse

The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.
Psalm 28:7

Reflection

Think about one person that has taught you about unconditional love in the past or present. Thank God for that person.

November 2

Verse

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.
Colossians 3: 16

Reflection

Think back to the worst period of your life and list three ways life is better now. Tell God about them and thank him for his faithfulness.

November 3

Verse

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 6:6-7

Reflection

Think about a challenging person in your life and find three things to celebrate about them. Tell God about your struggles with them and thank God for their presence in your life.

November 4

Verse

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

Reflection

Think about three reasons you are grateful for living in this country. Tell God about them.

November 5

Verse

Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:4-5

Reflection

Think back on someone who has forgiven you for a mistake you made in the past. Thank God for these moments of grace.

November 6

Verse

We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair.  We are hunted down, but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.
2 Corinthians 4:8-9

Reflection

Think about three things that come easy to you but may be challenging for others. Thank God for the gifts He has given you.

November 7

Verse

Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.
Colossians 2:7

Reflection

Think about three difficult parts of your life which turned out to be blessings. Thank God for His wisdom.

November 8

Verse

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.
2 Corinthians 9:11

Reflection

Think about three things that were beautiful today. Thank God for His creation.

November 9

Verse

We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.
Romans 5:3-5

Reflection

Name three of your basic needs that were met today. Thank God for providing you with your daily bread.

November 10

Verse

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
Colossians 4:2

Reflection

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Think about three things you love about this time of day. Thank God for the light and the darkness.

November 11

Verse

I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done.
Psalm 9:1

Reflection

Explore three things you can start doing today to express your gratitude towards others. Ask God for help.

November 12

Verse

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.
Psalm 100:4-5

Reflection

Think about your favorite location in your house and why you like it. Thank God for His comfort.

November 13

Verse

Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Reflection

Think about three things that bring a smile to your face. Thank God for laughter.

November 14

Verse

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
James 1:17

Reflection

Think about three things that you take for granted which might not be available to people in other parts of the world. Thank God for the opportunities that He has given you.

November 15

Verse

Dear brothers and sisters, we can’t help but thank God for you, because your faith is flourishing and your love for one another is growing.
2 Thessalonians 1:3

Reflection

Think of a time when someone went out of their way to help you. Thank God for the helpers.

November 16

Verse

Then we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will thank you forever and ever, praising your greatness from generation to generation.
Psalm 79:13

Reflection

Think about three things that make you happy to be alive. Thank God for giving you the gift of life.

November 17

Verse

And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.
Colossians 3:17

Reflection

Think about three lovely qualities from people you admire. How can you incorporate them into your life? Thank God for their example and ask Him to help you to change and grow towards Him.

November 18

Verse

In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So, after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation.
1 Peter 5:10

Reflection

Think about your favorite quote or a bit of wisdom that you frequently share with others. Thank God for the gift of knowledge.

November 19

Verse

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.
Romans 15:4

Reflection

Think about three things that have strengthened your character and made you who you are today. Thank God for the gift of right judgment.

November 20

Verse

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, “The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in him!”
Lamentations 3: 22-24

Reflection

Think about a recent time when you truly felt at peace. If this is a struggle to recall, reflect on why that is. Thank God for His never-ending love.

November 21

Verse

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11

Reflection

Think about three positive things in your life that you did not have five years ago. Thank God for these blessings.

November 22

Verse

But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:31

Reflection

Think about something you did recently for the first time that brought you joy. Thank God for this experience.

November 23

Verse

I pray that your hearts will be flooded with light so that you can understand the confident hope he has given to those he called—his holy people who are his rich and glorious inheritance.
Ephesians 1:18

Reflection

Think about which artist, author, or musician brings you great joy. Thank God for the gifts He has given to others.

November 24

Verse

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.
Romans 12:12

Reflection

Think about three things you are looking forward to in the next year. Thank God for the exhilarating feeling of anticipation.

November 25

Verse

Everyone will live in peace and prosperity, enjoying their own grapevines and fig trees, for there will be nothing to fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has made this promise!
Micah 4:4

Reflection

Think about three things in the current season that you are grateful for. Thank God for the four seasons.

November 26

Verse

Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.
Luke 6:38

Reflection

Think about three family traditions that have formed you positively. Thank God for the people that made these traditions happen.

November 27

Verse

But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ’s triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume.
2 Corinthians 2:14

Reflection

Think about three opportunities that you are grateful for. Thank God for them.

November 28

Verse

Praise the name of God forever and ever, for he has all wisdom and power. He controls the course of world events; he removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.
Daniel 2:20-21

Reflection

Think about three pieces of positive news from today. Thank God for the good things happening around you.

November 29

Verse

So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the Lord your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.
Deuteronomy 31:6

Reflection

Think about three things you will do today to care for your physical well-being. Thank God for the gift of your strong, amazing body.

November 30

Verse

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.
Colossians 3:15

Reflection

Think about three things you will do today to care for your mental well-being. Thank God for the gift of your emotions.