Saying Grace

“Okay, who would like to say grace?”

When I was growing up, our family never called our prayer time around the table “grace,” but yours may have.  I like it.  The word itself sounds like a blessing.

When you pause to pray, you are establishing a healthy habit and expressing thanks both to the One who provided the food and to those who prepared it.  The dinner table provides a setting for you to show your dependence on God.  The Bible says “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).

If your children don’t agree that food is a good gift, perhaps it’s time for the family to fast from a meal.  Nothing teaches appreciation quicker than going without something you take for granted.

And while you’re thanking God for your blessings, remember that not everyone has a good meal on the table– or even a table to put it on.  You don’t have to go to a developing nation to find people who are hungry.  All you have to do is drive around your own town.  It’s important to remind your family of the plight of others who are less fortunate, and to remember that part of our calling as followers of Jesus is to care for those who are hungry and hurting.

Also, take turns praying at dinner. Teach your young children that the meal begins with gratitude.  It can be something as simple as going around the table and saying one thing that represents what you’re thankful for that day.  It can be holding hands for a moment of quiet meditation, with each silently taking to God, or singing a familiar chorus that expresses your thankfulness.

Don’t fixate on how flowery or big the words.  Simply say grace- and as your pray, thank God for His.

In a post by Ann Voskamp, author of One Thousand Gifts, she shares her family’s dinnertime tradition.  They never leave the table without “chewing the Real Bread”.  Click Here to read her words on how one habit has changed her family the most.  She writes, “But when we eat Scripture, we eat the only real food, for Christ is Living Bread and eating He who sustains all things, sustains body and soul.  When we eat His Words, we eat of the eternal world.”

Eating together as a family builds ties of love and laughter.  Be intentional with your dinnertime so you also grow and learn in your faith. More posts throughout the week will share ideas on how to unite your family around the dinner table through prayer, scripture, questions, and laughter.  Feel free to comment below or on our Facebook Page: Faithful Families with your family’s traditions and creative ideas around the table!