Saying grace” refers to the practice of thanking God for the food before a meal. It is also called “saying the blessing.” Such prayers follow the examples of Jesus and the apostle Paul, both of whom “said grace” before meals (see Acts 27:35).
Saying grace together is a wonderful way of introducing God into everyday life with your family. Some families choose to hold hands while saying grace. On special occasions you might like to light candles on the table just before you say grace. Example graces that can be used with your family are provided here. Other traditional graces can be used too.
Other Ideas to use When Saying Grace
:: Ask the child which one he or she wants to say
:: Hold hands to emphasize that this is an activity that you do together
:: Pray for each other and other members of the family or close to you who may be
* Sick
* Travelling
* Having a birthday
* Celebrating a special event
* Searching for a job
* Worried about something
This can be as simple as asking for God to bless that person.
:: Choose a special grace that you keep to use on occasions that are special to your family.
Biblical Instances of Saying Grace
Matthew records two instances of Jesus feeding thousands of people with only a small amount of food (Matthew 14:15-21; 15:32-38). In both these accounts, before Jesus “broke the bread” (started the meal), He gave thanks to God for it (14:19).
In Luke 24:13-35, on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, two of Jesus's followers travel to the village of Emmaus. Jesus joins them on the road, and once they arrive at Emmaus, Jesus stops to eat with them. At the table, Jesus “took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them” (v. 30). Immediately, the disciples recognize Him; it was “when he broke the bread” (v. 35) and gave thanks that their eyes were opened.
Since we owe everything we have to God’s grace, “the free and unmerited favor of God,” it is appropriate to thank Him always (Ephesians 5:20). Meals provide a good time to pause and do just that. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).
Saying grace together is a wonderful way of introducing God into everyday life with your family. Some families choose to hold hands while saying grace. On special occasions you might like to light candles on the table just before you say grace. Example graces that can be used with your family are provided here. Other traditional graces can be used too.
Other Ideas to use When Saying Grace
:: Ask the child which one he or she wants to say
:: Hold hands to emphasize that this is an activity that you do together
:: Pray for each other and other members of the family or close to you who may be
* Sick
* Travelling
* Having a birthday
* Celebrating a special event
* Searching for a job
* Worried about something
This can be as simple as asking for God to bless that person.
:: Choose a special grace that you keep to use on occasions that are special to your family.
Biblical Instances of Saying Grace
Matthew records two instances of Jesus feeding thousands of people with only a small amount of food (Matthew 14:15-21; 15:32-38). In both these accounts, before Jesus “broke the bread” (started the meal), He gave thanks to God for it (14:19).
In Luke 24:13-35, on the day of Jesus’ resurrection, two of Jesus's followers travel to the village of Emmaus. Jesus joins them on the road, and once they arrive at Emmaus, Jesus stops to eat with them. At the table, Jesus “took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them” (v. 30). Immediately, the disciples recognize Him; it was “when he broke the bread” (v. 35) and gave thanks that their eyes were opened.
Since we owe everything we have to God’s grace, “the free and unmerited favor of God,” it is appropriate to thank Him always (Ephesians 5:20). Meals provide a good time to pause and do just that. “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen” (Romans 11:36).
