It has been said that the practice of prayers at mealtimes is what separates men from animals’instead of attacking our food and tearing into it as though it could be taken away from us at any moment, humans make a point to acknowledge their Creator and Sustainer in gratitude for his provision for their physical needs. When we come to any meal (whether with our families, our friends, or ourselves alone), we come with the understanding that we eat as dependent creatures, relying on the care of our Father for the rain and sun that bring forth the food, the safety to eat it unmolested, and the ability to be nourished and refreshed by it. For this reason, we reflect before we eat, glorifying God with both our praise of himself and our enjoyment of this day's daily bread. Here are some examples.
Before a Meal
A PSALM IS READ "The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand, you satisfy the desire of every living thing." (Ps. 145:8-21, especially vv. 8-12, 15-16)
A PRAYER IS SAID "O Lord God, heavenly Father, bless unto us these thy gifts, which of thy tender kindness thou hast bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." (Martin Luther)*
After a Meal
A PSALM IS READ "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever….He who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever." (Ps. 136:1, 25)
A PRAYER IS SAID "We gives thanks to thee, O God our Father, for all thy benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee liveth and reigneth, forever and ever. Amen." (Martin Luther)*
*Both Luther prayers are from Prayers of the Reformers, ed. Clyde Manschreck (Minneapolis: Muhlenberg Press, 1958), 114.
