Giving thanks becomes a life-long habit when begun early. Giving thanks can be in the form of prayers from religion, uplifting verse or spontaneously formed in the moment.

A good reason for praying is to generate feelings of appreciation.

When we feel appreciative we are feeling happy and peaceful in that moment. In times of stress, taking time to remember one thing we do have, with appreciation, helps us see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Daily life has moments of ups and downs; the downs more easily transformed from lemons to lemonade with the sweetness of an appreciation, uplifting verse, or thankful thought.

Small prayers of appreciation

"I appreciate having time to love."

"I appreciate having this day to grow."

"I appreciate my family (and friends, teachers, pets, etc.)."

"I appreciate my life."

Uplifting thoughts as prayers for a better world

Appreciation - Feeling thankful; saying thank you.
Blame - Blame delays constructive action.
Caring - When we help out, we feel useful, we feel good.
Clarity - As we think clearly, the clearer our thinking becomes.
Compassion - Listening carefully then acting in a way that is helpful.
Devotion - Doing what we say we will do, with a good attitude.
Duty - Doing what is required.
Faith - Knowing that right effort brings good results.
Friendship - To have a friend, be friendly.
Intuition - Inside information brought out.
Kindness - Acting kind, we feel fine.
Love - Felt by loving.
Loyalty - Keeping a commitment when circumstances change.
World Peace - Personal peace multiplied.

A final thought - "Life becomes a prayer through caring actions."

More children's prayers in this series

Children's Prayers of Thanksgiving
Children's Prayers of Appreciation
Children's Prayers as Stories - Little Johnny
Children's Prayers as Stories - Walking Along
Christmas Prayer for Children
Easter Prayer for Children
Meal Prayers - Saying Grace
Bedtime Prayers for Children
Collections for Kids and Teens

Article and photo credit - Susan Helene Kramer

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For offline reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.