Thankfulness is an important part of our faith, and Jesus showed us how to express gratitude in many ways. Throughout the Bible, we see Him giving thanks to God during important moments, like at meals and in prayer. These acts of thanks remind us that we can always find reasons to be grateful, no matter the situation we’re in.
Today, we will look at some Bible verses that highlight Jesus giving thanks. These verses can inspire us to express our own gratitude in prayer and everyday life. They remind us how important it is to thank God for His blessings and love. Let’s learn together about the power of gratitude!
Bible Verses About Jesus Giving Thanks
The Power of Gratitude in Prayer
Gratitude is an essential element of our prayers. When we come before God, expressing our thankfulness deepens our relationship with Him. Jesus often modeled this in His own prayers. It’s through these moments that we can see the importance of acknowledging God’s goodness and blessings. When we pray with a thankful heart, we create a more profound connection to God and open ourselves up to receive even more blessings. Let’s study some verses where Jesus shows us the power of gratitude in prayer and how this shows us the way.
Matthew 14:19
“And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves.” – Matthew 14:19
John 11:41
“So they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.” – John 11:41
Luke 10:21
“At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.” – Luke 10:21
Mark 14:23
“Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it.” – Mark 14:23
John 6:11
“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” – John 6:11
Thankfulness Before Meals
Meals are a special time where family and friends gather to share food and fellowship. When Jesus broke bread, He always took a moment to give thanks. This simple act of gratitude reminds us to honor God for His provision and blessings. It teaches us to pause and reflect on how we can include thankfulness in our everyday lives, especially during meals. By giving thanks, we acknowledge that everything we have comes from God, enriching our dining experiences with gratitude.
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.’” – Luke 22:19
Acts 27:35
“After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat.” – Acts 27:35
Matthew 15:36
“Then Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples.” – Matthew 15:36
1 Timothy 4:4
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” – 1 Timothy 4:4
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
Thankfulness in Worship
Worship is a beautiful way for us to express our gratitude to God. Jesus often engaged in acts of worship that included giving thanks. Whether singing songs of praise or bowing down in reverence, moments of worship provide us with opportunities to acknowledge God’s greatness and love for us. Worship isn’t just about us; it’s about offering ourselves and our thankfulness back to God, drawing us closer to Him and filling our hearts with joy.
Matthew 26:30
“When they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives.” – Matthew 26:30
Luke 17:15
“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice.” – Luke 17:15
John 12:27-28
“Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” – John 12:27-28
Luke 18:11-12
“The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.’” – Luke 18:11-12
1 Chronicles 16:34
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” – 1 Chronicles 16:34
Thankfulness in Community
Our faith is not meant to be lived out alone but in community with others. Jesus surrounded Himself with disciples, and together they expressed gratitude to God for their blessings. Being part of a community encourages us to share in each other’s joys and challenges. When we meet together and collectively express our thankfulness, we build one another up and strengthen our faith. The Bible shows us how important it is to come together as a community to celebrate God’s goodness together.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Acts 2:46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46
Philippians 1:3
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Thankfulness in Trials
Life can bring its share of challenges, and in those difficult times, gratitude can sometimes feel distant. However, Jesus teaches us that even in trials, we can express our thankfulness. When we focus on God’s presence and faithfulness, our perspective shifts from our circumstances to His promises. Gratitude in trials can strengthen us and help us see the lessons we can learn during tough times. It’s a way to trust that God is still working in our lives, even when things seem uncertain.
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3
Romans 5:3-5
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” – Romans 5:3-5
1 Peter 5:10
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” – 1 Peter 5:10
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Philippians 4:6-7
Thankfulness and Praise
Thankfulness and praise go hand-in-hand, enriching our worship experience. Jesus taught us that expressing our gratitude through praise can uplift our spirits and deepen our hearts’ connection with God. Praise allows us to celebrate God’s greatness and remember His goodness in our lives. By making praise an integral part of our lives, we can foster a more grateful heart, embracing the beauty of God’s creation and His unfailing love for us.
Psalm 100:4
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.” – Psalm 100:4
Hebrews 13:15
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” – Hebrews 13:15
Psalm 9:1
“I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” – Psalm 9:1
Revelation 11:17
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.” – Revelation 11:17
Psalm 136:1
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.” – Psalm 136:1
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the Bible verses about Jesus giving thanks, we see how gratitude can transform our lives. Whether in prayer, meals, worship, community, trials, or praise, expressing thankfulness brings us closer to God and enriches our relationships with others. It teaches us to focus on the blessings we’ve received, no matter our circumstances. By incorporating gratitude into our daily lives, we can create a deeper connection with God, which can help us fully appreciate His love and provision.
Let us commit to being thankful individuals, following Jesus’s example, and acknowledging the many gifts we’ve been given. Together, we can lift each other up, encouraging a spirit of gratitude that can spread throughout our communities. I encourage you to explore more passages about thankfulness and the life of Jesus in the Bible. For more inspiration, you can read about Bible Verses About Thankfulness or dive into the Bible Verses About Jesus and Christmas.