Recently, I found myself pondering the subject of saying grace before (or after) meals. I was curious if today’s on-the-go lifestyle lent itself to this practice. My very unscientific and small sample group didn’t really produce a conclusion that I would like to stake my reputation on, but overall, it would seem that saying grace regularly may have fallen somewhat by the wayside. But then again, the act of gathering around the family dinner table to share a meal often falls victim to today’s busy schedules and some folks noted that it was when they sat around that table that saying grace was the most common.
A little research on saying grace tells me that it’s a practice in many cultures and religions to express thanks for our food and its source. It can be a part of our religious belief as in thanking God or a simple acknowledgement of appreciation for the food and the cook. Wikipedia tells us that the term saying grace comes from the Ecclesiastical Latin phrase gratiarum actio, “act of thanks”. Theologically, the act is derived from the Bible, in which Jesus and Saint Paul pray before meals. One interesting article mentioned that in the Middle Ages it was said as an incantation to protect people from questionable food — of which there was plenty! And the author notes that praying for God’s grace that you don’t die from food poisoning isn’t necessarily a bad motive!
In an article by Lauren F. Winner, she says, “You don’t find grace said when people are rushing around, scarfing food, eating over the sink or in the car, polishing off a meal in ten minutes flat. You find grace offered at tables where people sit still, where they’re trying to pay attention”. But she points out that grace is portable! We don’t need a dinner table to pause and to give thanks even when we are on the run - “saying grace can transform a mere meal into an act of celebration, focus and gratitude.”
So for those of us who are on the run trying to keep up with the fast-paced world that we live in, and sacrificing saying grace because we can’t slow down, here are some short prayers. Be it the hockey arena hot dog or the chips and chocolate bar between meetings, these short words of thanksgiving can always fit into even the busiest schedule.
- by Gail MacGillivray
May all be fed
May all be healed
May all be loved
-- John RobbinsThank you Lord for what we are about to receive.
In Jesus' name. AmenLord, make us truly thankful for these and all other blessings.
I ask this in Jesus’ name. AmenLord Jesus, bless this food to our use, and us to Your service. Amen
Lord, as we enjoy this food may it nourish our bodies and renew our spirits. Amen
Growing up, we always said grace as a family before meals. It was a simple prayer that rhymed (in French): “Seigneur, bénis ce repas ainsi que ceux qui n’en ont pas” (Lord, bless this meal and those who will go without.) Amen!”
Eventually, I realized that this prayer is not universal, that is to say that not everyone says grace, and those who do may say different prayers to ask God to bless their food, even just speak to Him from their hearts, not using a rehearsed prayer at all. This came as a surprise!
I generally say grace before meals. Although I improvised for years, thinking my family’s rehearsed prayer was void of any meaning because it was repetitive, I’ve since incorporated it back into my prayer for God’s grace, as it makes me feel like I’m connecting to my roots and joining in prayer with my parents.