30 Thanksgiving Stories in the Bible

Are you looking for gentle, age-appropriate Bible stories to share with kids about saying “thank you” to God? Here are 30 Thanksgiving Stories in the Bible, arranged by Old Testament and New Testament, with linked verses and a short description about each story.

Thanksgiving Stories in the Bible

Thanksgiving Stories in Old Testament

1. Song after the Red Sea - Exodus 15:1–21 (ESV)
After God helped the Israelites cross the Red Sea and escape from Egypt, Moses and the people sang a loud victory song to thank God for saving them and for His mighty power. It is a big celebration of thankfulness after a scary time and shows how music can express gratitude.

2. Miriam’s Dance of Thanks - Exodus 15:20–21 (ESV)
Miriam led the women in singing and dancing to celebrate God’s rescue at the sea. Her joyful dance shows children that thankfulness can be lively and shared with friends and family.

3. Hannah’s Thankful Song - 1 Samuel 2:1–10 (ESV)
When God answered Hannah’s prayer with a baby, she praised God with a thankful song about His kindness to the humble. Her story teaches that heartfelt prayer can become joyful praise and public thanks.

4. Hannah Dedicates Samuel in Thanks - 1 Samuel 1:24–28 (ESV)
After Samuel was born, Hannah gave him back to God’s service as a thankful gift for the blessing she received. This shows that thankfulness can include giving something precious back to God.

5. David’s Thanksgiving Song after Rescue - 2 Samuel 22; Psalm 18 (ESV)
When David was delivered from enemies and danger, he wrote a long song praising God for protection and strength. His thankful words help children see how to remember and thank God for help in hard times.

6. David’s Thankful Offering for Healing - 2 Samuel 24:25 (ESV)
After a plague stopped, David built an altar and offered sacrifices to show gratitude. This illustrates that thankfulness can include actions or gifts that honor God for His help.

7. Psalm of Thanks for God’s Goodness - Psalm 100 (ESV)
Psalm 100 is a short, joyful call to give thanks and praise God for His goodness and faithfulness. It is simple and easy for children to learn as a daily prayer of thanks.

8. The Psalmist’s Thankful Remembrance - Psalm 103 (ESV)
This psalm lists many reasons to thank God, such as forgiveness, healing, and steadfast love. It teaches kids to remember blessings and to thank God for each one.

9. The Thankful Psalm for God’s Rescue - Psalm 107 (ESV)
Thanks are given for being rescued from storms, hunger, and danger. The psalm shows gratitude for God’s help in many kinds of trouble and encourages telling those stories to others.

10. The Thanksgiving Song of Deborah and Barak - Judges 5 (ESV)
After God gave Israel victory, Deborah and others sang and praised God for help and protection. Their song celebrates communal gratitude after deliverance.

11. Hezekiah’s Thanksgiving for Healing - 2 Kings 20:1–6; Isaiah 38:9–20 (ESV)
King Hezekiah thanked God with a poem when God healed him and added years to his life. His thankful words come from relief and renewed hope, showing children how to praise God for restored health.

12. Jonah’s Prayer of Thanks from the Fish - Jonah 2 (ESV)
From inside the big fish, Jonah prayed and thanked God for rescue. His prayer shows that even after mistakes, we can turn back to God and say thank you when we are saved.

13. The People Rebuild and Thank God - Ezra 3:10–11 (ESV)
When the temple foundations were rebuilt, the people sang and gave thanks together. This moment shows that communities can express gratitude through music and shared worship.

14. The Widow Who Was Provided For - 1 Kings 17:8–16 (ESV)
A widow shared her last food with the prophet Elijah and God kept her jar of flour and jug of oil from running out. Her story teaches trusting God’s provision and giving thanks for unexpected help.

15. The Widow’s Thankful Relief after a Miracle - 2 Kings 4:1–7 (ESV)
Elisha helped a widow in need and provided for her family. Her relief and rescue lead naturally to thankfulness and a lesson about God caring for the vulnerable.

16. The Harvest Festivals of Thanks - Deuteronomy 16:13–15; Leviticus 23 (ESV)
God told the people to celebrate harvest festivals each year to thank Him for food and family. These feasts teach children to be grateful for the yearly blessings of provision and community.

17. Israel’s Return from Exile with Thanks - Ezra 1; Nehemiah 12 (ESV)
When the people returned to Jerusalem, they celebrated, gave thanks, and rededicated the temple. Their celebrations show thankfulness for restoration and new beginnings.

Thanksgiving Stories in New Testament

18. Mary’s Song (The Magnificat) - Luke 1:46–55 (ESV)
When Mary learned she would be the mother of Jesus, she praised God and thanked Him for His kindness and for lifting up the humble. Her song helps kids see gratitude that includes hope for everyone.

19. Elizabeth and Mary Rejoice Together - Luke 1:39–56 (ESV)
When Mary visited Elizabeth, they rejoiced and praised God together. Their shared thankfulness shows how gratitude grows in friendship and shared blessings.

20. Simeon’s Thanksgiving Blessing - Luke 2:25–32 (ESV)
Simeon had been promised he would see the Messiah before he died; when he saw baby Jesus he thanked God and blessed the child. His thankful words teach children to be grateful when God’s promises come true.

21. The Leper Who Returned to Thank Jesus - Luke 17:11–19 (ESV)
Ten men were healed by Jesus, but only one came back to say thank you. Jesus noticed his gratitude, showing kids how important it is to remember to thank someone who helps them.

22. Jesus Gives Thanks at the Feeding of the 5,000 - John 6:5–14; Mark 6:30–44 (ESV)
Jesus gave thanks before feeding the crowd with five loaves and two fish. The story links gratitude with sharing and shows that small gifts can become big blessings.

23. The Boy Who Shared His Lunch - John 6:5–13 (ESV)
A little boy offered his food and Jesus gave thanks before it was multiplied to feed thousands. This shows children that giving with a thankful heart matters, even when the gift is small.

24. Jesus Gives Thanks at the Last Supper - Luke 22:14–20 (ESV)
Before His death, Jesus gave thanks as He shared bread and cup with His friends, teaching remembrance and gratitude even in difficult times.

25. Paul’s Thankful Prayers for the Churches - Philippians 1:3–11; 1 Thessalonians 1:2 (ESV)
Paul often began his letters by thanking God for the people in the churches. His example shows children that we can say thank you for friends, teachers, and family in our prayers.

26. The Early Church’s Thankful Praise and Sharing - Acts 2:42–47 (ESV)
The first Christians shared, prayed, and gave thanks together as a community. Their everyday gratitude is a good model for saying thanks in family and church life.

27. Heavenly Songs of Thanksgiving - Revelation 7:9–12; 11:15–17 (ESV)
In visions of heaven, many people sing and thank God. These scenes help children imagine a future filled with joyful praise and remind them that thankfulness is part of God’s big story.

28. Paul Thanks God for Provision and Generosity - 2 Corinthians 9:6–15 (ESV)
Paul writes about giving and thanks, explaining how generosity leads to thankful hearts and praising God for His gifts and provision.

29. The Early Church Sharing Food in Thankfulness - Acts 4:32–35 (ESV)
Believers shared what they had so no one was in need, and they gave thanks as needs were met. This shows gratitude being lived out by caring for one another.

30. Thankfulness in Teaching and Prayer - Colossians 3:16–17; 1 Timothy 4:4–5 (ESV)
These passages encourage teaching with songs of thanks and thanking God for food and work. They give practical ways for children to say thank you in daily life.

Final Thoughts

What a joy to share these stories about saying “thank you” to God. You can tell one story, sing a short song, or pray a simple thank‑you together. Remember: gratitude is a small habit that lights up big changes, teachable in a story, a prayer, a meal, or a helping hand.