2025 Gratitude Month Prompts

Every year since we were married (making this year #46), Jim and I began a practice in the month of November to think about and name the things for which we are grateful. There are a lot of things that are hard and overwhelmingly evil in the world, but we, as believers, are commanded to give thanks in all things and for all things. Further, we all have the same daily choice to see the glass as half full or half empty, to focus on the positive or the negative, to complain or to praise, to whine or to worship. I have found that the habit of gratitude has been a challenge, but that it has consistently and progressively changed my perspective and my heart from being myopic, selfish, and shortsighted. Gratitude is a spiritual practice as it is more than just acknowledging the good in our lives but giving the credit to the Giver of all good gifts! It is part of my daily worship.

While we have regularly taken the month of November to outwardly focus on our blessings, we also have tried to maintain a spirit of humble thankfulness all year. Some days are easier than other and maybe that is why it is often called a sacrifice of praise! Perhaps because I grew up in a home that did not dwell on life’s hardships, or perhaps because I have chosen to look at the sunny side and find that silver lining,  or it might be that I believe that there is always something for which I can be thankful, or even that I have not had it as bad as someone else, or that it could always be worse.  Maybe it is because complaining only and always makes the journey longer. I do not believe that happiness is the destination, but it is the best mode of transportation on life’s journey. Writing down blessings reminds me of things that I too easily forget and keeps my heart from pivoting away from giving God praise and glory. Expressing gratitude is a muscle that grows stronger with use.

I guess I get baffled by the people I know who spend so much time counting their sorrows and keeping account of the wrongs they have suffered. I guess I cannot count that high!

So my challenge again for November is to count it all joy that I have so much. To whom much is given much is required. May I steward each gift well. Here are some prompts meant to invite me to keep a posture of gratitude no matter the circumstances.

Reflecting on the past year, what moments of God’s favor and His faithfulness stand out – even in small ways? How can I bring God joy?

Count it all joy – (subject to change) – These things bring me joy and in my gratitude I lay them down as n offering to please the heart of God.

1. A place
2. A gift given
3. A gift received
4. A co-worker
5. A family member
6. A non-profit
7. A book
8. A personality trait
9. A public figure
10. Something witnessed in nature
11. A moment
12. A sound
13. A smell
14. Something new
15. A blessing from spring
16. A blessing from summer
17. A blessing from fall
18. An invention
19. A tent or skill
20. A song
21. An opportunity
22. A sermon or study
23. Self care / my body
24. A food
25. Something fun
26. A stranger
27. A mentor
28. Something unexpected
29. An experience
30. A holiday