Things We Must Do as Children of God: Thanksgiving – Basic 1 Christian Religious Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Thanksgiving means saying thank you to God, our Heavenly Father, for creating us, loving us, protecting us and providing for us. Children of God show thanks by praying, singing, telling others about God’s goodness, obeying Him, helping others, going to church, taking care of what He gave us, and being cheerful.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• Say who a father is and why God is called our Heavenly Father.
• Name at least five ways to show thanks to God.
• Give reasons why we should thank God.
• List things we can thank God for every day.
• Say the difference between a grateful person and an ungrateful person.
• Recite Psalm 107:1.

Who is a father?

A father is someone who takes care of his children, loves his family, provides for his home and protects his children.

Why is God called our Heavenly Father?

Like our earthly fathers, God is our Father. He:

• created us
• loves us
• takes care of us
• protects us
• provides for us

How do we show thanks to God, our Father?

1. Say “Thank you” in prayer

We can thank God when we wake up, before meals, before sleeping and at any time.

Example prayer:

“Dear God,
Thank you for this new day.
Thank you for my family.
Thank you for food and water.
Thank you for everything.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

2. Sing songs of thanksgiving

Sing:

“Thank you Lord for saving my soul
Thank you Lord for making me whole
Thank you Lord for giving to me
Thy great salvation so rich and free!”

3. Tell others what God has done

Share your testimony and tell your friends that God is good.

4. Obey God

When we do what the Bible says and follow God’s commandments, we show Him that we are thankful.

5. Help others

God has blessed us, so we should bless others. We can share with those in need.

6. Go to church

At church we worship God, give offerings and take part in church activities.

7. Take care of what God gave us

We should not waste food. We should use our things wisely and be grateful for what we have.

8. Be happy and smile

A cheerful child shows joy in the heart, and this shows God’s goodness to others.

Why should we thank God?

1. God created us

We did not make ourselves. God gave us life.

2. God gives us everything we need

He gives us food to eat, water to drink, clothes to wear, a home to live in, and family and friends.

3. God protects us

He keeps us safe and watches over us. We can ask Him to take care of us each day.

4. God loves us

His love never fails. He cares for us and will never leave us.

5. God forgives our sins

When we do wrong and say sorry, God forgives us and gives us another chance.

6. God sent Jesus to save us

This is the greatest gift. Jesus died for us, and those who believe in him have eternal life.

7. God answers our prayers

When we pray, God listens. He helps us and provides for our needs.

Bible verse: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (Psalm 107:1)

What things can we thank God for?

Daily blessings:

• Life and health
• Family and friends
• Food and water
• School and education
• Safety and protection
• Clothes and shelter
• Toys and fun things
• Beautiful nature
• Jesus Christ
• The Bible

What is a grateful heart?

Children of God should try to be grateful people.

Evaluation

Choose the correct answer.

1. God is our _____ Father.
   • a) earthly
   • b) Heavenly
   • c) school
2. We should thank God _____.
   • a) never
   • b) once a year
   • c) always
3. One way to thank God is to _____.
   • a) complain
   • b) obey Him
   • c) disobey Him
4. God sent _____ to save us.
   • a) angels
   • b) Jesus
   • c) prophets
5. A grateful person says _____ often.
   • a) complaints
   • b) “thank you”
   • c) bad words

Answer key for teachers

1. b) Heavenly
2. c) always
3. b) obey Him
4. b) Jesus
5. b) “thank you”

Assignment

1. Thank God for 5 things every day this week.
2. Sing a thanksgiving song to your parents.
3. Write: “Thank you God for everything.”
4. Help someone and say “I am thanking God by helping you.”