In many families, mealtime is a time when everyone gathers around the table to share a meal and say prayers.
Mealtime prayer can be a time to give thanks for the food we are about to eat, or it can be a time when we ask for God’s guidance in our lives. It can also be a time when we pray for those who are less fortunate than us.
No matter what you pray for during mealtimes, it is a special way to connect with your family and with God.
How To Make Mealtime Prayer More Meaningful For Your Family
Family mealtime prayer can be a meaningful way to connect with your loved ones and give thanks for all the blessings in your life.
Here are 10 tips to make mealtime prayer more meaningful for your family:
1. Make it a point to pray together as a family at least once a day, preferably at mealtimes.
2. Take turns leading the prayer, or have each family member share something they are thankful for before the prayer begins.
3. Keep the prayer focused on thanksgiving and praise, rather than requests or complaints.
4. Take a few moments after the prayer to discuss what you’re grateful for as a family.
5. Offer up specific prayers of thanks for specific blessings in your life, such as good health, a safe home, or loving relationships.
6. Use mealtime prayer as an opportunity to teach your children about the power of prayer and thankfulness.
7. Be sincere in your own attitude of thankfulness, and let that come through in your prayer.
8. Encourage everyone in the family to participate in the prayer, even if it’s just by saying “Amen” at the end.
9. Don’t be discouraged if mealtime prayer doesn’t always go smoothly – just keep trying and model an attitude of gratitude for your children.
10. Remember that praying together as a family is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to show your love for each other and give thanks for all the good in your life.
Mealtime Prayers For Families
1)
Almighty God, we come before you today humbly asking for your blessing and guidance.
As we sit down to enjoy this meal together, we ask that you would be with us.
Guide our conversation, and help us to connect with one another in a meaningful way.
Bless the food that we are about to eat, and help us to use it to nourish our bodies and minds.
We are so thankful for this time together as a family, and we ask that you would continue to bless us in the days ahead. Amen.
2)
Heavenly Father, we come to You now in thanksgiving for all that You have given us.
For our many blessings large and small, we praise Your holy name.
But today we especially thank You for this food which will nourish and sustain our bodies.
As we partake of it now, may our hearts be filled with gratitude for Your goodness to us. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.
3)
Our Father in heaven, We thank You for this day and for this meal.
We ask that You bless it to our use, giving us the strength of body and mind to serve You and others faithfully.
We also ask that You would bless those who are hungry today, whether from lack of physical food or from lack of Your love and presence in their lives.
Draw them close to Yourself and satisfy their every need according to Your riches in glory through Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
4)
We give thanks for all the blessings in our lives, big and small.
We thank you for this food that we are about to enjoy, and we ask that you bless it to our bodies.
We pray that we would use this food to fuel our bodies and minds, so that we may live productive lives. Amen.
5)
Almighty God, We pray for those who are hungry, both physically and spiritually. We pray that they would find nourishment and satisfaction in your love.
We pray for those who are sick or hurting. We pray for healing, both physical and emotional. We pray that they would find hope and comfort in your presence.
We pray for families all around the world. We pray for understanding and patience, for love and forgiveness.
We pray that families would be a source of strength and support for one another.
Finally, we thank you again for this food, and for all the blessings in our lives. Amen.”
Conclusion
Mealtime prayer is a simple way to connect with your family and give thanks for all the good in your life.
It’s also a powerful way to teach your children about the importance of prayer and gratitude.
Don’t be discouraged if mealtime prayer doesn’t always go smoothly – just keep trying and model an attitude of gratitude for your children.
Remember that praying together as a family is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to show your love for each other and give thanks for all the good in your life.
