Youth Sermon: A Prayer of Thanks

The Power of 'Thanks'

Hey guys, let's talk about something we all struggle with - always wanting more. You know, that new phone, the latest sneakers, or even more followers on Instagram. It's like we're stuck on a treadmill, always chasing after the next big thing. But have you ever stopped to think about what you already have?

Remember that story in the Bible about the Israelites? They were slaves in Egypt, but God rescued them. They had so little, but they were grateful. Now, I'm not saying we're slaves, but sometimes, don't we feel trapped by our own desires?

But have you ever stopped to think about what you already have?

Breaking Free from the Cycle

Here's a crazy thought - what if we could break free from this cycle? What if we could be content with what we have? It's not easy, especially when everyone around us is telling us we need more. But what if we could say 'enough'?

Let's try something. Everyone, take out your phone. Now, open your camera and take a selfie. Got it? Good. Now, look at that picture. That's you. You're enough. You don't need the latest phone or the most followers to be valuable. You're already valuable, just as you are.

The Power of Gratitude

Remember when Jesus fed the 5000? The disciples didn't think they had enough food, but Jesus took what they had, gave thanks, and fed everyone. He didn't need more; he just needed to be grateful for what he had.

So, what if we started saying 'thanks' more often? What if we started appreciating what we have before it's gone? What if we started being generous with what we have, just like Jesus?

The Challenge

Here's a challenge for you this week: keep a gratitude journal. Every day, write down three things you're thankful for. It could be your family, your friends, or even your favorite song. And try to go a whole week without buying anything you don't need. It's not easy, but it's worth it.

Prayer

Let's pray. God, help us to be grateful for what we have. Help us to say 'enough' and to be content. Help us to be generous, just like Jesus. And help us to see the value in ourselves, just as you see it. Amen.

Small Group Breakout Questions

1. How does consumerism affect your life?

2. What are some things you are grateful for?

3. How can you practice contentment in your daily life?

4. What did you learn from the story of Jesus feeding the 5000?

5. How can you apply the lesson of saying "enough" in your life?

Get the Full Youth Group Plan

• Icebreaker: Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
• Group Activity: Gratitude Journaling
• Youth Challenge: Break from Buying