God's Word calls us to give thanks in ALL circumstances, which sounds nice, right up until your circumstances make it hard to feel thankful. But what God calls us to do, He equips us to do. And since I’ve been feeling a little less-than-thankful lately, I dove into Scripture to find words of thanks we (ahem, I) can pray in many different circumstances.

This is NOT about living in denial or putting on a happy face when we feel low. This is about recognizing God's goodness AND His greatness even when we're weary, scared, lonely, sad, or whatever else we're feeling. We can feel many things and still thank God for being there with us.

I don't know what your circumstances are, but God does. I don’t know if you are full of joy, sorrow, fear, or frustration—but wherever you find yourself, He sees you, loves you, and is right there with you. And that is something to be thankful for.

5 prayers to help you give thanks in all circumstances

When you are weary

Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the whole earth.
He never becomes faint or weary;
there is no limit to his understanding.
He gives strength to the faint
and strengthens the powerless.
Youths may become faint and weary,
and young men stumble and fall,
but those who trust in the Lord
will renew their strength;
they will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not become weary,
they will walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31

Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Matthew 11:28-30

Thank you, Lord, that my soul can find rest in You. I know that You never grow weary, and nothing is too hard for You. God, I take all of the burdens that are weighing me down today and give them over to You, knowing that You are in control and that You are good. I trust You and I love You. Thank You for giving me Your rest and Your strength when I have none.
Amen

When you are grieving

The Lord is near the brokenhearted;
he saves those crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Matthew 5:4

God, thank You for seeing me in my grief and meeting me here. You don’t condemn me for my sadness, You don’t want me to pretend to be happy. But You draw near with compassion and promise comfort to those who are hurting. Thank You for being a God of comfort. Thank You for being a God who cares.

Amen

When you are scared

When I am afraid,
I will trust in you.
In God, whose word I praise,
in God I trust; I will not be afraid.
Psalm 56:3-4a

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:38-39

Thank You, Lord, for being so much bigger than my worries. You alone are in control. You are powerful and mighty, and You see and love me. Help me to trust You in the middle of all that is on my heart. Help me to hand it over to You and know that nothing can separate me from Your love.
Amen

When you are lonely

God in his holy dwelling is
a father of the fatherless
and a champion of widows.
God provides homes for those who are deserted.
 Psalm 68:5-6a

The Lord is the one who will go before you. He will be with you; he will not leave you or abandon you. Do not be afraid or discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8

 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us… raised us up with [Christ] and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus
Ephesians 2:4&6

God, I thank You because I know I am never alone. You are my constant companion, my Father, and my refuge. Your Spirit lives in me and provides me direct access to You. I know that even when I feel alone, rejected, or like I just don’t belong, You have given me a seat at Your table. I never have to wonder if You are there for me, because You always are. Thank You for Your presence and Your love.
Amen

When you are full of joy

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17

Happy are the people with such blessings.
Happy are the people whose God is the Lord.
Psalm 144:15

God, You are the Father of light, the true source of happiness. Thank You for the many blessings You have given me. Thank You for the beauty of creation and for allowing me to enjoy it. May my heart be both joyful and humble as I remember that You are the giver of good gifts and to You belongs all of the glory.
Amen