The act of giving thanks for our nourishment has been a universal tradition as long as food has been a necessity for life. It is fitting to take a moment before or after we eat to express gratitude to God for the sustenance provided to us, for the animals and plants sacrificed in the process, and for the people who contributed to the preparation of the meal. Before refrigeration and pasteurization, blessing food was also considered a method of purification. “You shall serve the Lord, your God; then he will bless your food and drink, and I will remove sickness from your midst” (Exodus 23:25).
When we say grace before a meal, we are imitating Jesus Christ. The Gospel teaches us that Jesus gives a blessing before breaking bread (Mark 14:22, Matthew 14:19, Matthew 15:36, Matthew 26:26–28, Luke 22:19, Luke 24:30, John 6:11). Pausing for prayer at mealtime allows us to take a moment to humble ourselves, thank God for His gifts, and acknowledge His providence. When we share that special time with our loved ones, we strengthen our bonds of fellowship and build unity through our communion with God and with each other.
Saint Paul expands the concept of saying grace before meals to include giving thanks for all of our bounty. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). G. K. Chesterton concurs: “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.”
It is too common to take our privilege for granted and to neglect thanking God. We become busy, distracted, and rushed. Our focus slips away from Our Creator. That is precisely the time to re-orient ourselves toward the Lord.
This week, challenge yourself to say a quiet prayer of thanksgiving every time you enjoy something God shares with you. When you participate in communal meals, invite your fellow diners to join you in saying grace. This simple act can transform your ordinary meal into a celebration of gratitude for the food before you, the friends and family beside you, the love surrounding you, and the goodness of God Who is always with you.
