A young lad once changed my perspective on gratitude. I stumbled upon a video of a little boy, not more than ten years old, washing dishes wholeheartedly at the sink, and what struck me most was how he sang while doing an ordinary house chore. He was singing “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake, and his heart of gratitude was so evident.
That video ministered to me deeply and inspired me to look up the song and learn the lyrics.
Guess who now sings it with so much gratitude? Me.
Having a heart of gratitude is truly a game-changer. Gratitude carries tremendous benefits, from boosting your mood and reducing stress to improving rest, strengthening relationships, and increasing joy.
But beyond all of these, gratitude draws you into the presence of God.
Psalm 100:4 describes thanksgiving as the posture that ushers us into His presence:
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.”
Gratitude begins in the heart, but it should not remain there. Especially towards God, gratitude must be expressed because gratitude is incomplete without expression.
There are many ways to give expression to a heart of gratitude both to God and to others. In this piece, you will find 10 practical ways to cultivate and express a grateful heart.
The beautiful thing is this: you can begin practising them today.
1. Thank God Out Loud
Thanksgiving is a deliberate act. Begin by thanking God for even the seemingly small things like the air you breathe, the strength in your body, the meals you eat, and the shelter you have. As you intentionally acknowledge these things, you train your mind to recognise reasons to be grateful. You do not have to wait for only the “big” blessings before expressing gratitude.
2. Read the Psalms
The book of Psalms is filled with words that help give language to awe, worship, and gratitude. The more you read the Psalms, the more you are invited into the mindful practice of thanksgiving and praise. Sometimes, the Psalms help you express what your heart feels but cannot fully articulate.
3. Keep a Gratitude Journal
Spend time writing down what you are grateful for. If you are just beginning, a guided journal with prompts can be especially helpful. I designed Rooted and Grateful to help capture thoughts of gratitude intentionally and meaningfully. You can explore it here: Rooted and Grateful Journal
4. Create a Gratitude Jar
A gratitude jar works similarly to a gratitude journal. All you need is a jar and small sticky notes. Choose a rhythm that works for you, it could be daily, weekly, or monthly and write down one to three things you are grateful for. Fold the notes and place them into the jar. Over time, your gratitude jar becomes a beautiful reminder of the goodness and faithfulness of God.
5. Set a Praise Alarm
What if you became intentional about praising God? Not only when you feel like it or when something exciting happens, but as a lifestyle. Here is a simple challenge: set periodic alarms on your phone throughout the day and label them “Praise Time.” When the alarm goes off, pause to sing a song of praise, thank God, or simply worship Him for a moment.
“What mighty praise, O God, belongs to you in Zion.”
Psalm 65:1 NLT
“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise…”
Hebrews 13:15 NKJV
6. Let ‘Thank You’ Become Your Response
How do you respond when someone shows you kindness or when something good happens in your life? Do not allow gratitude to become a cliché or a casual habit spoken without meaning. Let your “Thank You, Jesus” come from a genuine place of acknowledgement and appreciation. And when people show you kindness, express gratitude sincerely.
7. Reflect on the Goodness of God
Spend time intentionally thinking about the goodness of God in your life. Psalm 23 reminds us that goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our lives. When you find yourself dwelling only on negative things, pause and remember His faithfulness. Refuse to quickly forget His benefits. Gratitude grows simply by you remembering and acknowledging the goodness of God.
8. Talk About God’s Goodness
A grateful heart naturally wants to talk about God. When you truly reflect on His love, mercy, and faithfulness, you cannot help but share it with others. Speak about His goodness. Encourage someone with your testimony. You never know how your words may draw another person closer to Christ.
9. Choose Kindness
A grateful heart often overflows into kindness. Offer a compliment. Serve someone. Volunteer. Give generously. Sometimes, gratitude is expressed through the way we love and show up for other people. Your generosity may look like an offering in church, supporting a project, or helping someone in need.
10. Dance and Move Your Body
Dancing, just like laughter, is good medicine. When was the last time you danced before God simply out of gratitude? And this is not about being a good dancer. It is about intentionally expressing joy and thanksgiving through your body. Soak in music that lifts your spirit. Lift your hands in awe of God. Let worship fill your atmosphere. Music is powerful. It has a way of carrying your heart into the presence of God.
A Heart of Gratitude Doesn’t Grumble and So, It Never Crumbles
People with grateful hearts are often careful not to live in constant complaint, and when you refuse to grumble, you make room for joy, peace, and perspective. There are still many beautiful ways to express gratitude, such as admiring the beauty of creation, singing hymns, serving others, or simply making each day count. The more you practise gratitude, the more you begin to recognise the goodness of God woven through your everyday life.
