Psalms 102–3; 110; 116–19; 127–28; 135–39; 146–50: Lesson 108
Psalm 136
“O Give Thanks unto the Lord”
Visit “Studying the Scriptures” to help prepare yourself spiritually to learn.
Like many hymns, the Psalms remind us to give thanks in all things. Expressing sincere gratitude to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ can open your eyes and heart to Their love and mercy. It will allow your love for Them to grow. This lesson can help you recognize Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s love and mercy as you express gratitude for Them.
Study the Scriptures
God’s love can be found no matter where you are in the world. Ponder the last time you genuinely felt God’s love. Was it recent? What brought about those feelings? What if you find it difficult at times to recognize His love for you?
President Thomas S. Monson (1927–2018) explained something we can do to feel God’s love:
My brothers and sisters, do we remember to give thanks for the blessings we receive? Sincerely giving thanks not only helps us recognize our blessings, but it also unlocks the doors of heaven and helps us feel God’s love. (“The Divine Gift of Gratitude,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 87)
Why do you think expressing gratitude for our blessings helps us feel God’s love? Think about your experiences over the last week. Ponder how you would respond to the following questions using the phrases never, once or twice, a few times, or many times.
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How often did you recognize a specific blessing from the Lord in your life?
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How often did you express gratitude to the Lord for your blessings?
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How often did you feel His love?
As you reflect on your answers, the Holy Ghost can help you learn and improve. As you study today, listen for guidance from the Holy Ghost on how you might better recognize blessings and express gratitude for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.
Read Psalm 136:1–3, 26. Mark the repeated reason the psalmist shares for expressing gratitude.
What is mercy? Every time the psalmist recognizes God’s mercy in Psalm 136, he expresses gratitude. In Hebrew the word for mercy in these verses is hesed, which is “a special kind of love and mercy that God feels for and extends to those who have made a covenant with Him” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Everlasting Covenant,” Liahona, Oct. 2022, 6).
Next to the word mercy in Psalm 136:1, make the following note: mercy = God’s covenental love or As I recognize God’s blessings and mercy in my life, I should express my gratitude to Him.
Read Psalm 136:4–9, 25 and Psalm 100:3. Look for what God has done for which you can express gratitude. In your notebook or scripture margin, draw three of the Lord’s creations you are grateful for.
Read Psalm 136:24, looking for something else the Savior does for us. You might make a note next to this verse with other things the Savior has done for which you are grateful.
If available, watch “President Russell M. Nelson on the Healing Power of Gratitude” (from time code 2:45 to 4:27).
Review the following study options. Complete one or more. Then complete the “Now What?” section at the end of the lesson.
Option A
Why should I be grateful, even for my trials?
Read Psalm 136:10-16, looking for what else the Lord did for His people.
President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency taught:
The revelations, for which we are grateful, show that we should even give thanks for our afflictions because they turn our hearts to God and give us opportunities to prepare for what God would have us become. … In the midst of the persecutions the Latter-day Saints were suffering in Missouri, the Lord gave a similar teaching and promise: “Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; … and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good” (Doctrine and Covenants 98:1, 3). And to Joseph Smith in the afflictions of Liberty Jail, the Lord said, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (Doctrine and Covenants 122:7). (“Give Thanks in All Things,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2003, 96)
Share with a family member or friend a story from the scriptures, your own life, or the life of someone you know where the Lord helped someone through a trial.
Option B
How can the scriptures help me feel God’s love?
Read Psalm 136:23. Look for when God remembers us.
President Henry B. Eyring of the First Presidency shared:
I try to remember the Savior’s sacrifice and His love for me. Then, when I pray to Heavenly Father to give thanks, I feel love and assurance that my prayers are heard and that I will receive whatever is best for me and those I love. It strengthens my testimony. (“Our Constant Companion,” Liahona, Nov. 2023, 94)
If available, watch “Principles of Peace: Gratitude” (2:32).
Find three or more passages of scripture that help you feel God’s love when you are sad. Tag each passage as “God’s love,” “favorites,” or another tag.
Now What?
Choose one of the following options to express your gratitude for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Pay attention to the love you might feel from Them as you do this.
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Express your gratitude for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in a social media post or by writing in your journal.
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Make a list of things that you are grateful for. Remember to include those things in your next prayer.
Share Your Thoughts
Lesson Purpose: To help you feel Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ’s love as you express gratitude for Them.
Share one or more of the following with your teacher or class:
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Experience where the Lord helped you or someone else through a trial.
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Your social media post or list of things you are grateful for.
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Something specific you did to achieve the purpose of this lesson.
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Any questions this lesson raised for you. How will you try to find answers to your questions?