Bless this Food

Mary’s Monday Musings to Quilt Encouragement

Bless this Food

Many of us take a moment before eating a meal to say a short prayer of thanksgiving over the food we’re about to eat. We often refer to that custom as ‘saying grace.’ When we are in a group, someone will request a person to “bless the food.” Do you sometimes forget. I do. Something distracts us. Some one interrupts. God understands our lapses. Our state of mind is more important than what is said or left unsaid. It is easy to mumble words without thinking much about what we are saying. It easy to simply repeat a grace by memory without engaging our brain to really consider what we are saying. A deep sense of true gratitude in our hearts for God’s provision is more important than what we say before we eat. However, it’s beneficial to take the time to acknowledge that all we enjoy, be it food or any other necessary aspect of our lives, comes because of God’s goodness to us.

 

God enjoys us saying grace before a meal, but it’s not because he requires this praise or acknowledgement. He likes us to take the time because a moment to recognize our dependence on God benefits us by keeping us anchored in His goodness and grows our capacity for gratitude. When we develop the habit of expressing gratitude to anyone and at any time, life is better. Studies show a grateful attitude even helps our bodies to run better. Gratitude helps prevent grumbling, discontent, and creates gladness.  Let’s keep the thanksgiving going long after the holiday.