Saying grace before a meal

Why would you think something supported by scripture is silly?

Probably God, too.

Jesus said, "Without me ye can do nothing" (Jn. 15:5). God is the One Who caused the food to grow, gave us the strength to work the jobs He gave us, & the health to be able to enjoy the food. God despises unthankfulness (Rom. 1:21: II. Tim. 3:2). You need to get your attitude from the Bible, not T.V.

 

amen. well needed post.

 

1 Timothy 4:4-5 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

That is why I ask God to bless the meal, and thank him for it.

Also:

1 Thessalonians 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Some of the other verses cited by others are appropriate as well. Furthermore, it is also a chance to give glory to God and to show your committment to him, especially in a public setting. I know that it is a blessing to me to see others thank God for their food while in public.

 

In Romans we read this ...

Because, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but fell into folly in their thoughts, and their heart without understanding was darkened:

(Rom 1:21)

Being thankful to our Creator is a great 'stay' for Christians. All the way through the NT you see exhortation to thankfulness.

Without thankfulness and gratitude toward God is a sure means to at least falling away from God into a spiritual sleep.

 

Some practical reasons for saying grace

Bible verses about praying, thanksgiving, and sanctification aside, here's why, as the family patriarch, I say (or have one of my kids say) a prayer before eating one of the three "big meals" of the day:

• It reminds the kids (and us) that God is the source of everything we gain.
• It may open the door to sharing the gospel with someone at a restaurant.
• I think (maybe just my opinion) it brings glory to God.

I try to keep it as casual as possible, though. I don't get all over a kid if they sneak a bite in before the prayer or if they forget to pray for a meal they're eating, and I don't take it to the point where every single morsel of food taken throughout the day must be thanked over. When one of my kids ask "why don't we pray for snacks?" I just tell them that they should receive everything with thanks to God, but they can do it quietly to themselves.

It can also be the source of some comedy. At "extended family events" my mother-in-law runs the show and usually picks whoever out of the crowd she feels is the "most spiritual" and snarls an order to "Pray!" at them.

 

Ditto TCGreek's posts.

 

I think if getting dressed were as formal events as a meal, then we would have a formal prayer.

Anyway, when I open my closet door and see the rows of shoes, shirts and pants, I often utter a thanks to the Lord for His provision.

 

Scripture says he gave thanks and not "blessed it as part of a miracle"... Jn 6.

Maybe we who live in a time of excess loose appreciation for God the Provider. This is why we would see no need to "thank him". We are not as immediately in need when we have freezers and cupboards full of future meals. Perhaps we can ask a question like this because we have taken God for granted?

Just a thought...

 

So the real question should be why don't we give thanks before every breath of air or beat of our hearts? Is this not answered by our commitment to continually being in prayer?

 

My family does not necessarily pray before each meal.

One adult at the meal will say: "In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"

And the others respond with the same and then we eat.

 

Why before meals specifically?
Among other reasons, it is one of the main times when our family is gathered together. It is an attempt to thank God as a family. We often, right after the meal, have our main family Bible reading, too.

On a practical basis, your kids don't get to hear you pray while you are getting dressed or driving to work, for example.

 

Tradition... Fiddler on the Roof.

I think what you are asking is why "vocal" with heads bowed?

Personally I have never felt the need of "vocal" grace at meals but I never call others to task for it. It's a personal matter between the individual and the Lord. I conform with whatever the "rules" are.

When I know that folks will be offended I offer thanks vocally.

I do remember once at Bible college all the table were occupied at lunch time. I bought a sandwich and asked a young man if I could sit with him, "yes of course".

I commenced eating my sandwich and he said "I didn't hear you say grace". I said "that's because I wasn't praying to you".

No, I shouldn't have said that and yes I should have said a "vocal" grace or at least bowed my head as an indication of my thankfulness to God so as not to offend this young brother.

The reality is a thankful heart 24/7.

Ephesians 5

19 Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody
in your heart to the Lord;
20 Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;​

HankD

 

God has turned some people off to it?

 

On a youth trip to an amusement park one time, we stopped at Shoneys on the way home, and we were placed in one of their banquet rooms...
After the waitresses took our drink orders, one of the men said grace for the group...

A Methodist woman threw a fit.. even went to the manager and complained stating that if she wanted to hear prayers, she would go to church... but that we had no right to pray...

And demanded an apology from us...or she would leave, and never come back to that Shoney's...

Well, she left! And the manager said don't worry about it... she does it all the time... and that she will go to church down the road the next Sunday....

 

No, you have turned God off.

 

Pray before meals

Speaking specifically about meals we see that our LORD always gave thanks before eating. There are a lot of biblical references but three dealing with food are Matthew 15:36, Mark 8:6 and John 6:11.
You don't have to make a spectacle of yourself in giving thanks. If you are afraid of embarrassing non believer's then don't be! Maybe they will see you and notice the difference between you and the world and perhaps be inclined to be more receptive.

 

Matthew 6:6 But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.
​

 

I don't think this is supposed to be a condemnation of all public prayer, rather a condemnation of the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. Instead of praying a sincere prayer, they would try to draw attention to themselves while they were "praying" so that men would know how "spiritual" they were.

It sounds like the person you quoted was praying for the right reasons. For me, it would be all too easy to not pray over a meal in public for fear of people thinking me and my family are weird. That's why we do pray--I want my kids to know that no matter what people might think of you, you do what you think is pleasing to God.

 

Web, you obviously have not been to Texas and had "Tex-Mex" food... :laugh:

Actually i'm being funny. I love "Tex-Mex".... and the authentic Mexican food also. There are a few places where you probably better ask for God's blessing upon the food however........ :thumbs:

We do ask God's blessings and give thanks for our food as a family. It is a great opportunity to pray together, along with all the Biblical support previously given as reasons why we should.

Come to Texas sometime Web..... I'll show you around.

 

I understand what you are saying, on the other hand are we really able to discern our motives completely? Why is giving thanks quietly in one's heart any different than a "public prayer".

I'm just asking, I practice public prayer as well, mostly in church with like minded brethren to whom I have nothing to prove.

HankD