The loss of a loved one is especially noticeable around holidays such as Thanksgiving. To help honor the memory of your loved one, we’ve compiled a list of poems, prayers, and quotes to remind us of why we should be thankful for our loved ones and the time they spent with us.

Poems and Prayers

Be Thankful by Unknown Author

“Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don’t know something,

for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.

During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,

because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,

because it will build your strength and character.”

— Read full poem here.

We Give Thanks by Harry Jewell

“Our Father in Heaven,

We give thanks for the pleasure

Of gathering together for this occasion.

We give thanks for this food

Prepared by loving hands.

We give thanks for life,

The freedom to enjoy it all

And all other blessings.

As we partake of this food,

We pray for health and strength

To carry on and try to live as You would have us.

This we ask in the name of Christ,

Our Heavenly Father.”

The Empty Chair Prayer by Erica Parkerson

“The pies are in the freezer,
the turkey is on the list,

But this Thanksgiving, oh how
a loved one will be missed!

Lord Jesus, please hear our
Thanksgiving prayer,

For those gathered around
a table that has an empty chair,

Oh Lord, comfort their hearts –
we know that you are able,

And let them know that this year,
there’s another chair at Heaven’s Table!”

Quotes About Giving Thanks

 “The Lord afflicts us at times; but it is always a thousand times less than we deserve, and much less than many of our fellow-creatures are suffering around us. Let us therefore pray for grace to be humble, thankful, and patient.” — John Newton

 “You simply will not be the same person two months from now after consciously giving thanks each day for the abundance that exists in your life. And you will have set in motion an ancient spiritual law: the more you have and are grateful for, the more will be given you.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach

“Can you see the holiness in those things you take for granted — a paved road or a washing machine? If you concentrate on finding what is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.” — Rabbi Harold Kushner

“Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you appreciate and value into your life.” — Christiane Northrup

“Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgment of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.” — Sarah Ban Breathnach

“We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country.” — C.S Lewis

How will you honor a loved one at Thanksgiving this year? Share your ideas with us in the comments below!