Prayers Before Meals
A prayer before meals, often called grace, is a short prayer of thanks to God for food and for the people sharing the table. A simple one is: "Thank you, Lord, for this food and for the hands that made it. Bless our time together and help us remember those who go without. Amen."
The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their food in season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
Psalm 145:15-16 (BSB)
Saying grace is one of the oldest and simplest habits of the Christian life, and one of the easiest to pass on to children. Jesus himself gave thanks before he broke bread. A grace does not need to be long; it is a pause to remember that every meal is a gift. These six prayers are short enough to say while the food is still hot, and the one for kids is easy to learn by heart.
An everyday grace
Thank you, Lord, for this food and for everyone who helped bring it to our table, the farmers, the drivers and the hands that cooked it. Bless this meal and the people sharing it. Help us remember those who are hungry tonight, and show us how to share what we have been given. Amen.
A simple grace for kids
Thank you, God, for food to eat, for family and for friends we meet. Thank you for the yummy treat, and for the love that makes it sweet. Help us share and help us care. Thank you, God, for everywhere. Amen.
A grace for a family dinner
Father, thank you for bringing us back around this table. Thank you for the food in front of us and the people beside us. Whatever kind of day each of us has had, let this be a place to slow down, laugh and listen to one another. Bless our conversation, and keep our family close to you and to each other. Amen.
A grace when you have guests
Lord, thank you for friends gathered at this table and for the gift of sharing a meal together. Bless each person here, and the food we are about to enjoy. Let our time be full of warmth and good conversation, and may everyone leave tonight feeling welcome and well fed in body and spirit. Amen.
A grace for a hard week
God, this week has been tough and we are tired. Thank you that even now there is food on the table and we are together. Feed our bodies and lift our spirits. Give us rest tonight and hope for tomorrow. We trust you to provide for us, as you always have. Amen.
A Sunday or celebration grace
Lord of every good thing, thank you for this feast and for a reason to celebrate. Thank you for your faithfulness to us through every season. As we enjoy this meal, fill our hearts with gladness and gratitude. Let our joy overflow into kindness for others, and let everything we do bring you glory. Amen.
Scripture to pray with
When you eat and are satisfied, you are to bless the Lord your God for the good land that He has given you.
Deuteronomy 8:10 (BSB)
And He directed the crowds to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, He spoke a blessing. Then He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people.
Matthew 14:19 (BSB)
For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.
1 Timothy 4:4-5 (BSB)
So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.
1 Corinthians 10:31 (BSB)
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2:46-47 (BSB)
He gives food to every creature. His loving devotion endures forever.
Psalm 136:25 (BSB)
Questions people ask
What is a short prayer before meals?
A short prayer before meals is: "Thank you, Lord, for this food and for the hands that made it. Bless our time together and help us remember those who go without. Amen." It takes about ten seconds and works for any meal, at home or out.
Why do Christians say grace before eating?
Christians say grace to thank God as the giver of every good gift, including daily food. In the Gospels, Jesus gives thanks before breaking bread, as when he fed the crowds in Matthew 14:19. Saying grace is also a reminder to be grateful and to think of those who are hungry.
What is a good mealtime prayer for kids?
A good mealtime prayer for kids is short, rhythmic and easy to remember, such as "Thank you, God, for food to eat, for family and for friends we meet. Amen." Let children take turns leading grace and invite them to add one thing they are thankful for that day.
Should you pray before eating in a restaurant?
Many Christians do, quietly and briefly. A silent prayer or a few whispered words of thanks is all that is needed. The point is gratitude to God, not being seen, so a simple, unhurried moment of thanks is perfectly fitting wherever you eat.
Keep reading
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FaithGuide gives you a verse and a prayer for how you feel each morning, and a gentle prayer at bedtime. Free to start on iPhone and Android.
Scripture quotations are from the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which is in the public domain.