Have you ever had a year that just felt like the “never ending” year of trials and you just couldn’t wait for the new year to begin?  Yeah?  Me too! Truthfully this year has been a difficult one, with lots of pivots, complete changes, and leaps of faith.  We are pressing in as a family to God’s wisdom and guidance, and trusting Him for the results.   It’s been quite the year!  And in the midst of it all there have also been moments of laughter, fun adventures, answered prayers, and simple joys. But that was almost forgotten–overtaken by the constant pressures of life that were being thrown on us, one right after the other.  Until one morning, I realized I needed to remember the good among the hard.  I grabbed my phone and found a picture that for me–just exudes happiness; a moment in time from this year that I am so glad I had the opportunity to experience.  And I made that my phone's wallpaper. Now every time I open it–it triggers my thoughts to choose gratitude–no matter what is happening!

That day, I began to consider how to cultivate more gratitude in my family's life to help us stay focused on Him.  So I thought it would be fun to try and create our own 30-day Gratitude Journaling Prompts (for Teens and Adults)!  And truthfully, I can’t wait to use it!  

Feel free to use the questions below and join my little family of three on a gratitude journey!  

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”   Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)

 

 

30 Gratitude Journaling Prompts for Teens and Adults

 

People and Relationships

Favorite People: List the special individuals in your life (family/friends) and write why they hold a place in your heart. Pick one and send them a text to let them know you are praying for them today.

Celebrations: Reflect on any celebrations you attended this year (birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc.) and journal why you are thankful for that person (s) or the experience you shared while attending.

New Connections: Think of one new person you met this year and why you are thankful for them. Consider reaching out to let them know!

Important People:  Choose an important person in your life like a teacher, mentor, coach etc.  What are you most thankful for about them such as: character quality, lesson taught, or act of kindness.  What do you hope to imitate by what you see in their life?

Church Family:  List what you are most grateful for about your church or church family.

Choosing Forgiveness:  How are you choosing forgiveness in your life, and how is it growing your love for God, others and yourself?

Gratitude for your Status: 

• • If single: What are the top three things you are most thankful for?
  • If married: What are the top three things you are most thankful for?

Spiritual Reflections and Personal Growth

God Story: Write about a "God story" from this year that left a lasting impression. What lesson did it ultimately teach you?

Answered Prayers: List five ways God has answered your prayers this year. Spend time thanking Him for it.

Successful Moments: Describe a successful moment God gave you (at work, home, school, in marriage or parenting) and how you witnessed God’s favor.

Lessons from Hard Times: Reflect on a lesson learned from a challenging moment (at work, home, as a student, in marriage or parenting) and how it has shaped your character.

Overcoming Difficulties: Describe a personal difficulty or season of suffering you endured or observed in another, and how it fostered your personal growth. Thank God for those tough times and His pruning work.

Trusting God: How are you trusting God, and how is it growing your faith and gratitude?

Important Lessons: Write about one important lesson you learned this year.

God's Provisions: List five provisions God has made for you or your family this year.

Leap of Faith: Describe a leap of faith you've taken this year. If you've seen the results, how is that unfolding in your life? (Remember, we are asked to be faithful; the results are ultimately up to Him.)

Achieved Goals: What goal, no matter its size, have you achieved this year? How did you celebrate your success? Praise God for how He helped you accomplish it.

Volunteer Opportunities: Describe a volunteer opportunity you participated in, your experience, and its impact on you.

Names of God:  Make a list of the names of God that you personally have felt this year. Dedicate time to thanking Him for that experience.

Experiences

Memorable Adventures: Recall an adventure, solo or with loved ones, and express what you are most thankful for about that experience.

New Experiences: Describe a new experience you tried and enjoyed, and why you are thankful for it.

Cherished Freedoms: In America, we value our many freedoms. List your top three favorites.

Routines: Consider how your daily routine impacts you in positive ways.  Thank Him for giving you the determination and consistency you need.

Traditions: Describe any family or personal traditions you keep throughout the year.  Thank Him for this structure and sense of love.

Favorite Things

Favorite Pictures: Select a favorite picture from this year and describe what fills you with gratitude about it. (For photo enthusiasts, consider picking a favorite from each month, or using it as your wallpaper on your phone as a reminder to choose gratitude daily)

Favorite Verse: Write out your favorite verse and explain why. Consider sharing it with someone who needs encouragement.

Favorite Worship Song: Listen to your favorite worship song and reflect on what makes you thankful for it. Write down a few of your favorite lyrics.

Beloved Animals/Pets: Select a picture of an animal or pet that brings you joy. Paste it into your journal, or onto an index card, or as your wallpaper on your phone and write why you are grateful for them. (If you are not a pet/animal lover–choose something else that brings you joy).

Favorite Place:  Where is your favorite place to go (or have been), why is it important to you?  If you have a picture of it–consider sharing it or pasting it in your journal.  How has God grown you through visiting it?

Favorite Food: What is your favorite food and what do you love about it?  Consider making it for friends, loved ones, or someone who could use a meal. Thank God for using it to sustain your body and allowing it to create memories with others.