10 Easy Thanksgiving Bible Study Ideas

As Thanksgiving approaches, we’re all reminded to count our blessings—but practicing thankfulness is something the Bible encourages us to do year-round. Thanksgiving is the perfect time to dive into a Bible study that helps us reflect on God’s goodness, recognize His blessings, and encourage a heart of gratitude. Whether you’re studying solo, with family, or leading a group, these 10 Thanksgiving Bible study ideas will guide you in meaningful reflection, making your holiday season even more memorable. Let’s embrace this time of thanksgiving and celebrate God’s faithfulness together!

Here are 10 easy but engaging Thanksgiving Bible study ideas that could work for kids, families, and Bible study groups:

1. Thankfulness in Psalms
   Dive into Psalms like Psalm 100, 107, or 136 that focus on gratitude. Each student can pick a verse to draw or write a short prayer after reading it.
2. Thankful Journal
   Each day leading up to Thanksgiving, encourage students to write down three things they are thankful for each day. Help them to make a goal of not repeating a the same thing.
3. The Story of the Ten Lepers
   Study Luke 17:11-19, where only one of ten healed lepers returns to thank Jesus. Discuss why thankfulness is important and how we can be practice it in our own lives.
4. Counting Blessings Timeline
   Create a timeline where students or families can fill in blessings from the past year. Encourage them to reflect on how they’ve seen God’s hand throughout the year. During Thanksgiving weekend, spend time going back over the timeline.
5. A Thankful Heart Craft
   Make a “Thankful Heart” where each person adds paper “gratitude leaves” labeled with things they’re thankful for. Talk about how gratitude shapes a joyful heart.
6. Old Testament Thanksgiving Offerings
   Explore Leviticus 7 and other passages that describe the Thanksgiving offerings in the Bible. Discuss why people would give these offerings.
7. Paul’s Letters on Thanksgiving
   Read through verses in Philippians, Colossians, or 1 Thessalonians where Paul encourages thankfulness. Have participants write down ways they can model this gratitude daily.
8. Thanksgiving Acrostic Prayer
   Write the word “Thanksgiving” vertically and come up with words or short prayers for each letter that express gratitude to God.
9. Blessings Around the Table
   Have each family member or student participant pick a Bible verse about thankfulness and share why it stands out to them. This can be done as a Thanksgiving table tradition.
10. Jesus Feeds the 5,000
    Study John 6:1-14 and discuss how Jesus gave thanks before feeding the crowd. Reflect on how gratitude acknowledges God’s provision, no matter the amount we start with.

Thanksgiving gives us a beautiful moment to stop, reflect, and thank God for His countless blessings. But gratitude isn’t just for the holiday—it’s a mindset we can carry with us every day, transforming our hearts and drawing us closer to Him. As you explore these Bible study ideas, may they inspire you and your students to be thankful in your home or in your classroom. Let’s make it a Thanksgiving of heartfelt praise and gratitude for all God has done, is doing, and will continue to do in our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving, and may this season fill your hearts with joy and gratitude!

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