Grace before meals

For everyday

Lord, thank you for this food and for the hands that prepared it. Bless this table, give bread to those who have none and make us grateful and generous people. Amen.

When there are guests

Lord, thank you for this full table and for each person around it. Bless the food, bless the conversation and bless the friendship that brought us together. May whoever leaves here take away more than they ate: may they take rest and joy. Remind us of those who eat alone today or have nothing to eat. Amen.

For children

Father in heaven, thank you for the yummy food, thank you for who made it, thank you for who is here. Bless our plate and give food to those who have none. Amen.

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Grace before a meal does not need to be long. What matters is stopping, even for ten seconds, and recognizing where what is on the table comes from.