The other day, meal time prayer just popped into my head. I got this vision of how I taught my kids that praying before meals in public was not only great for showing God gratitude, but it was also a great evangelization tool. One of our favorite prayers was, “Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.” It is short, sweet and easy to remember.
This may seem like a small act, but its impact on faith and witness can be powerful. In my article on Adoration, I reflected about spending intentional moments with God and how that can change our lives. Prayers at mealtime offer that same sacred pause. It is a way to bring holiness into our daily routines. Mealtime prayer also introduces three powerful things: faith practice, family connection, and evangelization.
The Biblical Roots of Mealtime Prayer
When you think of the importance of mealtime prayer, know that Jesus set the example. For instance, Luke 9:16 states, “Then taking the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he said the blessing over them, broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd.” another example can be found in Luke 22:19. It tells us “Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which will be given for you; do this in memory of me.” As Catholics, we know this verse well.
The early Church followed suit. Acts 2:46–47, “Every day they devoted themselves to meeting together in the temple area and to breaking bread in their homes. They ate their meals with exultation and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying favor with all the people. And every day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved.” You can see that giving thanks before eating is a long-standing tradition of gratitude and reverence.
Strengthening the Family Through Prayer
Praying before and after meals creates a daily rhythm of togetherness, as long as you are taking the time to eat together. This doesn’t have to only be at home. It can be in restaurants and even in the car after hitting a drive thru. The most important things are that the praying happens and happens consistently. This teaches children reverence, gratitude, and reliance on God. Just as Proverbs 22:6 shares with us, “Train the young in the way they should go; even when old, they will not swerve from it.”
This also offers the opportunity for a deeper connection as a family. When there is a focus on prayer, even for a short time, especially when phones are put away and attention is given to God together, it strengthens the familial bond. This is also a great time to teach as Matthew 18:20 has taught us, “For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” Make home a place where this happens. Putting these expectations in place at a young age, helps to build good, prayerful habits while developing a relationship with God and family.
Evangelizing Without a Word: Public Mealtime Prayer
Acts of public faith, even small ones like making the Sign of the Cross or bowing your head, are visible witnesses to the presence of God. It is a form of evangelization. It is shining your light before others as in Matthew 5:16, “Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father.” Explain to your children what it means. Share how it is a widely known faith practice. Many people may not know it is in itself a prayer, but you can and should teach that to your children.
These acts invite curiosity. They open doors for conversation among family as well as among people who witness it. A child from another family may witness the praying in a restaurant and ask their parents about it. This is a great way to quietly testify to Jesus’ presence in everyday life. They may even ask you what you are doing or why you are doing it. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs us, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts. Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope.” Remember that evangelization doesn’t always require words; it starts with authentic living. Live out Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel. It is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: for Jew first, and then Greek.” and teach your kids to do the same.
Gratitude Before and After Meals
After-meal prayer is also important. Deuteronomy 8:10 states “But when you have eaten and are satisfied, you must bless the LORD, your God, for the good land he has given you.” This is a step many of us have forgotten, myself included. We remember to show gratitude for the food before us, but forget to show gratitude for the meal we shared and the time we shared together.
Cultivate an ongoing spirit of gratitude. Be grateful before meals as well as after you have been fed. Modeling this behavior will help your children (as well as yourself) to become better disciples or laborers for Christ. Here is a great family prayer for after meals:
“We give you thanks, almighty God, for these and all your gifts, which we have received through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Practical Ideas to Encourage the Habit
Let’s face it, life is busy. We are often going nonstop and it can be hard to fit in a meal together let alone adding prayer to it. Here are some tips for starting or reinstating family mealtime prayer:
- Choose a simple prayer and/or rotate who leads. Make prayer time a time for everyone by choosing a prayer that is easy to recite. Rotating prayer leaders keeps everyone involved.
- Involve children by letting them create their own “thankful” prayers.Teaching kids that prayer is a conversation with God allows them to show their unique gratitude through prayer.
- Add quiet reflection or journaling after dinner once a week. Make this a family bonding moment. Choose a day that works well for everyone. Allow sharing for those who want to. This builds confidence in prayer.
- Encourage praying at restaurants or during lunch at work/school. Remember, it is important to build and maintain a habit of prayer. Also, we are called to evangelize and this is a simple way to do so publicly.
You can start with just one idea and then build upon that foundation. Also ask family members what their thoughts are and to think of more ideas to pray together.
Tying It Together: A Daily Act with Eternal Impact
Remember, this small act of praying together (and when alone) at mealtime builds a habit of grace and can provide a means for public evangelization. When families pray together, they grow spiritually and become witnesses to the world. Starting these habits when children are young, gives them confidence in something that is normal, but may not be prevalent today.
Spend time reflecting on Jesus’ model of giving thanks. Strive to make every meal a moment of holiness. Recommit to mealtime prayer as a way of bringing God, family, and mission into daily rhythm. Teach your children that being a Christian is living your faith and this is just one of the ways to do that. “So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
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