A Scripture-Centered Gratitude Journal for November

November has a way of filling up fast. Between school, callings, and Thanksgiving plans, gratitude can turn into one rushed moment around the table. A few minutes with the scriptures each day changes that, and it’s easier to keep up when you know exactly what to read and where to write it down.

Here’s a simple plan for a scripture-centered November, whether you journal on your own or with your whole family.

Why scripture-based gratitude works

The Lord doesn’t ask for gratitude only on good days. In the Doctrine and Covenants He says:

Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.

— D&C 59:7

Writing down what we’re thankful for, next to a verse that points us to the Savior, turns a nice habit into a spiritual one. Over a month, those small notes become a record of the Lord’s hand in your life.

A four-week plan

Pick one theme per week. Read the scripture on Sunday, then come back to it each day with a short prompt.

Week 1: Thanksgiving as worship

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

— Psalm 100:4

Prompt: Where did I feel close to Heavenly Father today?

Week 2: Giving thanks in hard things

In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Prompt: What is one hard thing I can still find a blessing in?

Week 3: Remembering to return and say thank you

Only one of the ten lepers came back to thank Jesus (Luke 17:15–16).

Prompt: Who helped me this week, and how can I thank them?

Week 4: Living in thanksgiving daily

…live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you.

— Alma 34:38

Prompt: What mercies did I notice today that I might have missed a month ago?

Making it work for families

• Keep it short. One verse and one sentence each is plenty for little ones.
• Read at dinner. Read the week’s scripture at dinner, and let each person share one thing before the meal.
• Let kids draw. A quick sketch counts as a journal entry.
• Save the pages. On Thanksgiving Day, read a few entries aloud before the meal.

How to use the printable journal

1. Print the pages at home or at a print shop.
2. Clip or bind them, or keep them in a folder by the kitchen table.
3. Write or draw one entry each day.
4. Read your entries together on Thanksgiving.

And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious.

— D&C 78:19