Happy Thanksgiving! All month long, we have been thinking about the things we are most grateful for. Whether we fill up daily gratitude journals, make crafts with the family, or gather around the table for a feast with those we love, showing gratitude is so important! So many of us have our heartstrings tugged at this time of year, and look for ways to give back to others. I'm blessed to belong to a family of givers, many of whom are constantly doing things to bless others, no questions asked.

Our youngest family members love to help, and their kind hearts are always asking how we can help other people- especially during the holiday season. Whether we see toy donation boxes around town, are met by the Salvation Army bell ringers, or are packaging Operation Christmas Child boxes, my kiddos love to give.

While we give of our time, our talents, and yes, sometimes even make sacrifices monetarily so that we might share blessings with others, we remind ourselves and our little ones to stop and give thanks for our countless blessings. The reality is that they are many, and when life gets busy, it's easy to forget just how blessed we truly are.

We pray around our family table every night. As we draw near to Thanksgiving, my kids become bold in sharing their own prayers, some from the heart, and those which they've learned in school. As parents, my husband and I try to raise little givers who are grateful for what they have, and encourage them to give thanks.

Today, we'll gather around the big family table with extended family and loved ones- to say thanks. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving, I share these simple prayers which also help us offer our thanks for our many blessings.

5 Simple Prayers for Thanksgiving

Bless the food before us,

the family beside us,

and the love between us.

Amen.

God, our Father,

we thank you

for our many blessings.

Amen.

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below

Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest

and let thy gifts to us be blessed.

Let there be a goodly share 

on every table, everywhere.

Amen.

God, we thank you for those gathered here today...

and those we love who are far away.

Hold us in your steadfast love, giving strength 

to all that comes from above.

For the food we're about to eat,

we give You thanks.

Nourish our bodies, and bless the hands that prepared

the meal.

We love you, our Lord, and we always will.

Amen.

Wherever you find yourself this Thanksgiving, the staff at Mommy's Block Party prays that you find peace, and know what a blessing you are to us and our community.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!