Pray before eating 🙏

Growing up we always prayed over a meal. As a young adult who just left home, is there a biblical way we are supposed to pray over our food?

A: We are to pray without ceasing. And follow Jesus example. It is good to thank God for what he gives us. We humbly give thanks with gratitude.

Mark 8:6:  And Jesus directed the crowd to sit down on the ground. And he took the seven loaves, and having given thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people; and they set them before the crowd.

Mark 14:23

 And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.

One thing that I think ought to be central but is often left out is the idea of giving thanks for God’s provision in the meal. Asking God to, “bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies…” is a good way to give thanks.

The example Jesus gives all through Scripture and at the last supper  he blessed the food and gave thanks. I would think that’s a solid example of the very least that we should do before meals. Ask the Lord to bless it and give Him thanks for it.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

1 Corinthians 10:31 So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God

Deuteronomy 8:10 And you shall eat and be full, and you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land he has given you.

Just think about how we are to be thankful/give thanks to God for all His blessings and goodness to us. Isn’t food a goodness and blessing?

It is all about giving thanks to God for His provision. Thanking the giver for the gift, and regardless whether it is much or little. 😊

Q:
I know some who say the "man of the house" should pray over the meals as the head and leader of the home and spiritual leader, but I have an 8 yr old daughter who absolutely LOVES to pray when we eat. How can I make sure her love for talking with God is balanced, and do so in a way that she doesnt grow up to be modern feminist who tries to usurp a man's role?

A: If she is saved, though the Spirit does bring internal prayers to God on our behalf...it might stifle the Spirit in her to not let her pray. We are to pray without ceasing, and we each should pray and thank God. Parents leading prayer is an example in the home. 

So suggestion: if the father starts the prayer, allows each to say something and He closes the prayer then it is probably a good way to do it. 😊