Thanksgiving Devotional for Kids (Ages 4-12)

 

 

 

 

Welcome to this 7-day Thanksgiving devotional for kids! This Thanksgiving devotional for kids was designed to inspire a thankful heart. It features Bible verses, fun activities, and family reflections that help children grow in gratitude and faith. Each day, kids will explore God’s blessings and learn how to celebrate the holiday season with a heart full of thanksgiving.

 

 

Day 1: A Thankful Heart

 

Verse: “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

 

•    Focus: Having a thankful heart and expressing gratitude in everything we do.

 

•    Activity: Draw or write three “good things” from the past year you are thankful for. These could be experiences with family members, moments with friends, or blessings you see around you.

 

•    Discussion: Sometimes, it can be hard to be thankful, but God’s word reminds us to give thanks for all things. Why do you think God wants us to have a grateful heart?

 

•    Prayer: “Dear God, thank You for all the good things in my life. Help me remember to have a thankful heart and thank You in everything. Amen.”

 

Day 2: God’s Many Blessings

 

Verse: “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalm 103:2

 

•    Focus: Reflect on God’s many blessings and remember to give thanks.

 

•    Activity: Start a “blessing jar” for the week of Thanksgiving. Each day, add a note about something you’re thankful for, whether it’s big or small. This is a great way to remember all the good things in your life!

 

•    Discussion: What are some blessings God has given our whole family? How can we show Him that we are grateful for these blessings?

 

•    Prayer: “Thank You, Lord God, for all the blessings You’ve given us. I am grateful for wonderful things like family, friends, food, and shelter. Help me remember Your goodness every day. Amen.”

 

Day 3: The History of Thanksgiving

 

Verse: “Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.” – Psalm 100:4

 

    •    Focus: Learning about Thanksgiving Day in the United States and how the holiday began.

 

•    Activity: Draw a picture of your family celebrating Thanksgiving. Imagine how early settlers and Native Americans might have celebrated this day.

 

•    Discussion: Thanksgiving is about more than just food; it’s a time to remember God’s blessings and the kindness shared between people. How can we honor God and show kindness during this particular holiday season?

 

•    Prayer: “Thank You, God, for giving us Thanksgiving as a reminder to be grateful for all we have. Help me to remember and celebrate Your blessings with my family and friends. Amen.”

 

Day 4: Family Members and Friends

Verse: “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

 

•    Focus: Appreciating family members and friends as gifts from God.

 

•    Activity: Write down the names of each family member or close friend and one reason you are thankful for each of them.

 

•    Discussion: Family and friends are some of God’s greatest blessings. How can we thank God for them? How can we show love to them every day, not just on Thanksgiving?

 

•    Prayer: “Thank You, Lord God, for everyone in my life. Help me to show love and appreciation to my family members and friends as You show love to me. Amen.”

 

Day 5: Gratitude Journal

 

Verse: “O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.” – Psalm 107:1

 

•    Focus: Building an “attitude of gratitude” by remembering God’s goodness.

 

•    Activity: Begin a gratitude journal where you can write or draw one thing you’re thankful for each day. This is a great way to remember God’s blessings beyond Thanksgiving.

 

•    Discussion: What does it mean to have an attitude of gratitude? How can writing down things you’re grateful for remind you of God’s goodness throughout the year?

 

•    Prayer: “Thank You, Lord, for all the good things You’ve given me. Help me keep a grateful heart and remember all Your wonderful blessings daily. Amen.”

 

Day 6: God’s Goodness Through the Holy Spirit

 

Verse: “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17

 

•    Focus: Understanding God’s goodness surrounds us through the Holy Spirit.

 

•    Activity: List “wonderful things” you feel or experience through the Holy Spirit, like peace, joy, and love. Draw symbols or pictures to represent each feeling.

 

•    Discussion: The Holy Spirit helps us feel God’s love and reminds us of His many blessings. How does the Holy Spirit make you feel close to God?

 

•    Prayer: “Lord God, thank You for the Holy Spirit, who helps me feel Your love and remember Your goodness. Help me to always feel close to You through the Spirit. Amen.”

 

Day 7: The Importance of Gratitude

 

Verse: “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” – Colossians 3:17

 

•    Focus: Living with gratitude to thank God in everything we do.

 

•    Activity: Ask each family member one thoughtful question about what they are thankful for this Thanksgiving. Write down each person’s answer to look back on in the future.

 

•    Discussion: Showing gratitude in every part of our lives helps us remember God’s blessings and share His love. How does saying “thank you” to God and others make you feel?

 

•    Prayer: “Dear Lord, help me live each day with gratitude. May I remember to thank You and the people in my life. Thank You for all the ways You bless me. Amen.”

 

I pray this devotional has blessed your family!