Introduction
Everyone likes being appreciated, and when someone recognizes his/her act and says thank you. It is important that we use the magic word, “Thank You” every day.
Reflection
When was the last time someone showed you appreciation? Which is the manner/emotion he showed you that he liked what you did for him/her. How did you feel? (Give time to children to give their answers). Through gratitude, one can strengthen his/her relationship with others and learn that gratitude increases happiness.
Activity
Alphabet Thank You Game.
Write the letters of the alphabet underneath each other, or if the animator finds help they can be done beforehand on an interactive board or on an A3 paper. For each letter of the alphabet, the children name something for which they are thankful, and at the same time, they learn to reflect on their blessings.
Video Clip
Gratitude
Prayer
Dear God, help us to be always grateful for all that we have and never be sad when something does not go our way. Amen.
Introduction
It is really essential that in everyday lives, which is sometimes hectic, we find time to show gratitude to God for all that he is doing with us through people and circumstances. Also, we are to thank people who support us in many ways.
Reflection
Gratitude means giving thanks. When you show gratitude to others it is helping you to grow relationships. One can show gratitude in various ways, such as appreciating all that you have, noticing your blessings every day, serving others, using your talents in a proper way, and doing all that you are asked for in a calm manner.
Activity
In their journal, or on a plain paper the students write a gratitude journal using their own imagination.
Video Clip
A Moving Story About Gratitude
Prayer
Dear Lord, help me to be grateful to you for every situation I pass through and believe that through them you are sending me your unconditional love.
Introduction
Animator: Good morning/afternoon, dear Students!
Welcome to today’s reflection on living love through gratitude. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing the abundant blessings in our lives, and expressing our thankfulness to God and others. Today, we will explore the transformative power of gratitude and how it can shape our hearts and relationships.
Video Clip
The animator tells the students to watch this short video clip entitled:
A Moving Story About Gratitude
Animator: Wasn’t that a beautiful video? It reminds us of the power of gratitude in transforming our perspective and fostering a heart of love. Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we have just seen and discuss how we can embrace gratitude in our own lives.
Reflection
Animator: The Bible calls us to be people of gratitude, constantly giving thanks to God for His goodness and the blessings He has bestowed upon us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we read:
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
These words challenge us to cultivate a grateful heart in all circumstances. Gratitude helps us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, enabling us to appreciate the countless gifts and blessings that surround us each day.
The animator invites the students to think about a time when expressing gratitude transformed a difficult situation or brought joy to their own life or someone else’s.
The animator pauses for students’ participation.
Animator: Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling but a way of life. It opens our hearts to the beauty of the present moment and fosters deeper connections with God and those around us.
Activity
The animator asks these questions for students’ participation:
- How can we practice gratitude in our daily lives, even during challenges or difficulties?
- What are some practical ways we can express gratitude to God and others? How can we make gratitude a part of our interactions and relationships?
- Are there any specific saints or biblical figures who inspire you with their example of gratitude? How does their example encourage you to live a life of thankfulness?
The animator invites the students to take a moment to discuss these questions with their friends or write down their thoughts for personal reflection.
The animator pauses for students’ participation.
Prayer
Animator: Let us now gather our thoughts and turn our hearts to God in prayer.
Dear God, thank you for the countless blessings you bring to our lives. Open our eyes to the beauty that surrounds us and fill our hearts with thankfulness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who showed us the way of gratitude and thankfulness, we pray. Amen.
Animator: Thank you, everyone, for joining us today in this reflection on living love through gratitude. May our lives be characterized by a spirit of thanksgiving, as we embrace the transformative power of gratitude.
Have a blessed day!
Introduction
Animator: Good morning/afternoon, dear Students!
Welcome to today’s reflection on living love through gratitude. As followers of Christ, we are called to cultivate an attitude of gratitude, recognizing the abundant blessings in our lives, and expressing our thankfulness to God and others. Today, we will explore the transformative power of gratitude and how it can shape our hearts and relationships.
Video Clip
The animator tells the students to watch this short video clip entitled:
Mr Thankful
Animator: Wasn’t that a beautiful video? It reminds us of the power of gratitude in transforming our perspective and fostering a heart of love. Now, let’s take a moment to reflect on what we have just seen and discuss how we can embrace gratitude in our own lives.
Reflection
Animator: The Bible calls us to be people of gratitude, constantly giving thanks to God for His goodness and the blessings He has bestowed upon us. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, we read:
“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
These words challenge us to cultivate a grateful heart in all circumstances. Gratitude helps us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, enabling us to appreciate the countless gifts and blessings that surround us each day.
The animator invites the students to think about a time when expressing gratitude transformed a difficult situation or brought joy to their own life or someone else’s.
The animator pauses for students’ participation.
Animator: Gratitude is not just a fleeting feeling but a way of life. It opens our hearts to the beauty of the present moment and fosters deeper connections with God and those around us.
Activity
The animator asks these questions for students’ participation:
- How can we practice gratitude in our daily lives, even during challenges or difficulties?
- What are some practical ways we can express gratitude to God and others? How can we make gratitude a part of our interactions and relationships?
- Are there any specific saints or biblical figures who inspire you with their example of gratitude? How does their example encourage you to live a life of thankfulness?
The animator invites the students to take a moment to discuss these questions with their friends or write down their thoughts for personal reflection.
The animator pauses for students’ participation.
Prayer
Animator: Let us now gather our thoughts and turn our hearts to God in prayer.
Dear God, thank you for the countless blessings you bring to our lives. Open our eyes to the beauty that surrounds us and fill our hearts with thankfulness.
In the name of Jesus Christ, who showed us the way of gratitude and thankfulness, we pray. Amen.
Animator: Thank you, everyone, for joining us today in this reflection on living love through gratitude. May our lives be characterized by a spirit of thanksgiving, as we embrace the transformative power of gratitude.
Have a blessed day!