Social media is full of friends using this month to list thirty reasons they are grateful. Those impulses lines up with Scripture. “Give thanks in all circumstances” 1 Thessalonians 5:18. “Enter his gates with thanksgiving” Psalm 100:4. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above” James 1:17. “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts and be thankful” Colossians 3:15. Gratitude is not a trend. It is the steady posture of a heart shaped by Jesus. With that in view, here are three simple ways followers of Jesus can practice gratitude during the Thanksgiving season and beyond.

1. Praise Before Petitions

Start with thanks before you ask for anything. Set a three minute timer. Name five gifts from the last twenty four hours. Keep it plain and specific. Warm coffee. A good conversation. Strength for a hard task. Then thank God for who he is. Merciful. Near. Faithful. Finish with a short verse of praise like Psalm 103. Bless the Lord O my soul. Your requests will still come, but they will come from a settled heart.

Try it today. Set a phone reminder for morning, noon, and night. When it rings, breathe in and say Thank you Lord. Breathe out and name a gift. Three breaths. Three thanks. Repeat tomorrow.

2. Praise People Promptly

Gratitude grows when you give it away. Each week choose three people to thank. Keep it simple and fast. Write a short note to a mentor. Send a voice message to a friend. Hand a small treat to a coworker who serves behind the scenes. Use clear words. I see you. I thank God for you. Your kindness helped me.

Make this a habit at home too. Try a thank you first rule. Before you share a need or a correction, speak one sincere word of thanks. It softens the soil. It sets a gospel tone. Paul urges the church to be thankful and to let the peace of Christ rule. Gratitude makes room for peace.

3. Train at the Table

Turn your table into a garden of thankfulness. Place a bowl with small cards and a pen in the center. All week long, each person writes short notes of thanks and drops them in. At the main meal on Sunday, pull out a few cards and read them aloud. Celebrate small mercies. God met us in the ordinary.

Add a simple rotation of questions. Where did you see the kindness of God today. Who showed you grace. What beauty did you notice. Keep it light and joyful. Laughter helps thanks travel deeper. Hosting this month. Invite a neighbor who might be alone. Ask each guest to bring one story of gratitude. Pray a short prayer from Colossians. Let the word of Christ dwell in us richly with thankfulness in our hearts to God. Then linger. Unhurried tables teach grateful souls.

Try these three practices and carry them beyond November. Praise before petitions. Praise people promptly. Train at the table. Gratitude is not a holiday task. It is a way of seeing. It clears the fog and lets the light of Christ in.