7 Worship Songs Of Thanksgiving (Cultivating A Heart Of Gratitude)

Thanksgiving isn’t just a holiday; it is the fundamental posture of a worshiper.
When we gather, we don’t just ask God for things; we thank Him for who He is and what He has already done.

Scripture commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” As worship leaders, we have the privilege of helping people lift their eyes off their lack and fix them on God’s abundance. A setlist focused on thanksgiving shifts the atmosphere from striving to resting.

Why These Songs Work

We chose these songs because:

  • They shift perspective. They remind the congregation of God’s track record of faithfulness.
  • They are versatile. This list includes high-energy praise starters and intimate moments of reflection.
  • They are accessible. Most of these songs are widely known, allowing people to sing out immediately without learning complex melodies.

7 Songs To Cultivate Gratitude

  1. Goodness Of God – This song has become the anthem of thanksgiving for the modern church. Its simple, heartfelt declaration—”All my life You have been faithful”—resonates deeply with anyone who has walked through a season of difficulty and seen God come through.
  2. Great Things – If you need a high-energy opener to kickstart a service with joy, this is it. It lists the miracles God has done and invites the church to celebrate His power.
  3. I Thank God – A foot-stomping, testimony-driven song that celebrates salvation. It’s perfect for reminding people where they came from and who pulled them out of the “miry clay.”
  4. Gratitude – Sometimes the only thing we have to offer is our “hallelujah.” This song strips away the lights and production and focuses on the simple, humble offering of a thankful heart.
  5. Thank You Jesus For The Blood – Specificity fuels worship. This song doesn’t just say “thanks”; it thanks Jesus specifically for the blood that washed us clean. It’s a powerful bridge between thanksgiving and the gospel.
  6. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – A timeless hymn that anchors our gratitude in God’s unchanging nature. It works beautifully as a quiet response or a full-band anthem.
  7. 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) – Even after years of use, this song remains a staple because it gives people language to bless the Lord for His name, His goodness, and His kindness.

Example Thanksgiving Setlists

Setlist 1 (High Energy Praise)

  1. Great Things – Starts the service with a focus on God’s mighty works.
  2. I Thank God – Keeps the energy high while transitioning into personal testimony.
  3. Goodness Of God – Lands the plane in a tender moment of realizing God’s kindness.

Setlist 2 (Humble & Reflective)

  1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Opens with a familiar declaration of trust.
  2. Thank You Jesus For The Blood – Moves the focus to the cross and what Christ has done.
  3. Gratitude – Ends with a stripped-back moment of personal surrender.

How To Use These Songs In Your Church

  • Encourage testimonies. Since these songs are about what God has done, open the mic for a 60-second testimony between songs to boost faith in the room.
  • Read a Psalm. Psalm 100, Psalm 34, or Psalm 103 are perfect pairings for these songs. Read them aloud before the first downbeat.
  • Don’t wait for November. While these are perfect for Thanksgiving Sunday, the church needs to sing about God’s faithfulness year-round to combat fear and anxiety.

Next Steps

Identify a Sunday in your upcoming schedule where the theme is “remembrance” or “faithfulness.” Build a setlist using three of these songs to help your congregation practice the discipline of gratitude.