Most moms know that Thanksgiving has little to do with sitting quietly and reflecting on a long list of things to be grateful for. Why? Because there are far too many other, more important, things to do. Cleaning for the out-of-town guests, the costumes to be hand-sewn, the gluten-free, dairy-free, GMO approved treats that need to bake, and the hand-lettered place cards (to learn how) to make for the table settings. With a to-do list that seems to multiply by the minute, there is little time to stop and ponder what she's even grateful for.
Mothers teach their children all about the Pilgrims’ first harvest and where the idea of Thanksgiving came. They even read stories about why "Thanksgiving" feasts and celebrations exist around the world. Moms teach their children why gratitude is important, yet instead of feeling thank-full themselves, many moms are full of weariness, loneliness, heartache, exhaustion, anxiety, or fear.
For some moms, life resembles something dark this year: hospitals, empty bedrooms, sickness, or another type of loss. What they feel is depleted, instead of celebratory, and Thanksgiving (this joyous season of remembrance, harvest, and gratitude) is something they'd rather skip over instead of partaking of.
Whether you're knee-deep in parenting littles, running in circles because of adolescents, or have switched roles with an aging parent, Thanksgiving is still coming for you. You aren't able to press pause, nor can you ignore it even if you're in a season of feeling less than thankful. Whether you want to deck the halls or run for the hills, perhaps you'll find comfort in the following prayers – written just for you, Mom, at Thanksgiving.
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1. Father, Thank You for Your Presence.
I am thankful that You are everywhere with me. On the days when I am busy and forget to check in with You, and those days that have me on the floor and crying out for You to be near. I know that there is nowhere I can go that is away from You. Thank you for never leaving me, not in my darkest hour, in my greatest need, or when I feel the most unworthy. Whether I am confidently living my best life, or barely trending water, I know You are near. I may not always feel You, but I know that you are there.
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2. Father, Thank You for Your Son.
As a mother, I cannot fathom the choice you made, coming up with the plan that You fully intended to execute— never once wavering. What an extravagant gift that you offered the world, that you offered to me. Thank you for loving me so much that you sacrificed Jesus, without demanding, or expecting, anything in return. Who does that? I'm undone at the thought that He was willing to pay my debt, to stand in my place, to do what I could have never done on my own. I am forever grateful for that decision.
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3. Father, Thank You for Your Wisdom.
You know I need it— every day. I need Your insight to infuse my thoughts and questions. I need Your discernment to tackle the issues I have with my children, my spouse, my work, my finances, and my future. And I need Your inspiration for everything else that I’m thinking about in this moment. For the situation that is before me today, and for everything that tomorrow will bring. You said in Your word to ask if we needed it, and You would pour out Your wisdom, abundantly. I’m glad that You added that last word— that it was specific, and not a detail to be overlooked. I want to live from the abundance that You readily supply— regarding Your wisdom, and everything else.
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4. Father, Thank You for Your Word.
I’m grateful for every person who obediently put ink to paper, and for every person who sacrificed and worked diligently to preserve Your words and translate them over the years so that I can enjoy them today. What a task! Your words are powerful, and I need them to cut through the lies that chant incessantly all around me. I am grateful that I can look to You word and know who I am, what I am worth, and what my future looks like. Thank you for filling my heart with Your truth. Thank you for the freedom I have to read, carry, purchase, and own a Bible in my own language.
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5. Father, Thank You for Your Strength.
You know how scared I am, how much I worry at times. You know the fears that creep into my mind during the day, and into my dreams at night. Thank You for helping me to stand firm in the midst of my days, and for promising to fight my battles for me. Thank You for showing up every day with strength that never runs out, no matter the circumstances, no matter what else You’re also dealing with. You never tire. You never give up. You never need back-up. You never throw up Your hands and shout, “It’s too much!” Thank You for being a Father with broad shoulders and capable arms— more than able of handling anything that is too much for me.
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6. Father, Thank You for Your Peace.
I'm so grateful for the days when it comes like a flood—completely overwhelming me. Thank You for the moments where there is stillness in my day, even if only for a moment. I envision You surrounding me and blocking out all the noise, all the concerns, all the lies that threaten to assault me. I am glad that to stand with You means that I am standing on a rock that is firm and immoveable. Thank you for covering me with peace in the midst of the storm, for speaking softly to me, for being near, for reminding me that with You I can have hope for any situation.
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7. Father, Thank You for Your Provision.
It doesn't always come the way I expect. Sometimes I worry that it's going to be late, but it never is. Sometimes I wish it were a little more on the early side, or a little more in general, but I’m thankful that what You give is always what I need. I'm amazed that You see the tiniest detail and show up when I need You most. I’m thankful that You have more than enough, that You never run out, and that You are a generous Father. You give generously; it is more than what I ask for or could even imagine.
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8. Father, Thank You for Your People.
I’m not always grateful for all of them, but most of the time I can see how You’ve strategically placed people in my life to bring support and encouragement, to inspire and challenge me, to love me and care for me in my moments of need. Thank You for putting friends in my life who pray and speak the truth, and who bring over cookies and coffee when that’s what I need. Thank You for using regular people to show me in tangible ways how much You love me.
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9. Father, Thank You for Your Creation.
It typically leaves me breathless— especially this time of year. Thank You for creating the world in vibrant color, with such detail, with seasons and patterns, and constant change. Thank You for being so artistic and reminding us that You are there. With every sunrise yawning, every mountain stretching heavenward, every ocean wave crashing, every bird singing, every wind whispering, or thunder roaring, I am reminded that You spoke all of this beauty into being. I am grateful to live in a world that lives and breathes because of You.
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10. Father, There is So Much More.
Here is where you offer up something personal, moms. It doesn’t have to be deep or super spiritual. It can be the breath in your lungs, or your ability to acknowledge your five senses. It can be for the sweet babes in the next room or the promise to once again hold those who have already gone to heaven. It can be for indoor plumbing, the caffeine flowing through your body, or the friend or spouse who loves you like Jesus.
Despite what our circumstances look like, what valley or mountain we may find ourselves in this Thanksgiving season, there is something to be thankful for. It is God. The One who formed us with a purpose and a plan, who spoke the world into being, who sent His Son, who extends grace, who loves us unconditionally— and the list goes on.
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What is Gratitude?
Gratitude is merely turning our attention to God and saying, “Thank you” for all the good things that He has already done for us— the big stuff, the little things, and everything in between. When we focus our attention on God— giving Him our adoration (our worship and praise), it’s hard to stop. And that’s how it should be at Thanksgiving.
Malinda is passionate about seeing families thrive, and individuals grow in their love for Jesus. She is a bold writer and speaker, as well as a proud homeschooling mom to two spirited girls. Malinda had her husband Alex currently serve their local church where they reside in Northern California, and she is excited for her first book, Obedience Over Hustle, to release next year. You can connect with Malinda on her website on through Instagram.
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