We’ve all had that awkward moment of not knowing whether or not to offer a prayer before a meal.
We’re not sure if we should just eat, say a silent prayer, or ask our friend to pray.
Maybe you’ve already started eating, and someone says, “Let’s pray.” Oops.
If you don’t pray before you eat, I do not think it is a sin.
However, I do think it’s a wonderful way to honor God with our words and actions.
There are many opinions, but here are my reasons to pray before a meal:
It follows Christ’s example.
Jesus gave thanks before feeding the 5,000 (Mark 6:41). He did the same before feeding the 4,000 (Mark 8:6). He also made a point to pray at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19).
It shows respect.
God is our provider. He has supplied whatever food we have to consume. Thanking Him shows a reverence for His generosity.
It fosters a sense of gratitude.
James 1:17a (NKJV) says, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights,” Many around the world, for various reasons, do not have the ability to eat a meal three times a day. We should never take our food for granted.
It performs an act of humility.
Psalm 24:1 tells us everything on earth belongs to the Lord. God’s provision has blessed us with the many plants and animals we use for food. We are dependent on God to meet our needs (see Philippians 4:19). In humility, we come before Him to ask for His blessing.
There are no magic words to recite or things to include when saying a blessing.
Prayer is more about having an appreciative attitude than words. Throughout the Bible, we are told to have a thankful heart (see 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
This simple gesture of pausing to acknowledge the Savior can focus our thoughts and hearts back to Him in the midst of our life’s busy schedules.
Dear Lord, may I always be thankful for the food you’ve provided.
Thank you
Amen! Thank you Kate! It is also a powerful testimony to unbelievers!!
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