Some Thoughts On Saying Grace before Meals

Sometimes we are asked to say a blessing before a meal, - - or just the opposite: no blessing is asked while we are accustomed to saying Grace. Episcopalians, while we try to be polite and non-intrusive, can find ourselves in uncomfortable situations.

My "rule of thumb" is: if I am a guest and someone asks me say the blessing, I don't hesitate (even though the "grace-giver" should be a member of the household). There are four prayers in the Prayer Book (page 855) which can easily be committed to memory, or one can simply say something like: "Thank you, Lord. For these gifts and for the gift of friendship we share tonight...."." We need not go ON and ON, but keep the thanksgiving simple and direct.

But what if we are used to saying grace at home, and no one asks? Our thanksgiving, whether at a dinner party or eating alone in a restaurant, need not be said aloud. We can ask our own blessing on the meal, saying to ourselves: "Bless O Lord these gifts to our use and us to your service, and keep us always mindful and responsive to the needs of others in Jesus Name. Amen" While imposing prayers and personal piety on the others is counter-productive - - no meal need be eaten without expressing our thanksgiving for the gifts God has provided for us!

Every meal can be a little "eucharist" - - a little thanksgiving . a little communion with our Lord. Jesus was often present was with his disciples at meal-time, and the sacrament of Holy Communion derives from the last supper shared with his "family" - - the Twelve, and possibly others. Not only are we thankful for Christ's providence - - but for his companionship.

Try to remember our Lord with Grace at all our meals - - without presumption, and always with graciousness.

-- Canon Carey