Saying a simple prayer before a meal is a good way to focus your mind and appreciate all the blessings you have received, whether you are alone or in a large group. Saying a prayer of thanksgiving does not need to be made up, but even so, thanksgiving like this would be more appropriate if said in certain situations and conditions. You can learn to do formal devotions and prayers for different cultures, religions and beliefs. See step one for more information.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Offering Personal Thanksgiving
Step 1. Say a simple thanksgiving to those present
If you are asked to pray for a meal at a family gathering or a holiday meal, this can be very intimidating at times. But as in the Toast session at a wedding or in a short speech at another venue, there is not only one way to say thank you, but there are indeed some common prayers that are accepted by various faith denominations, these will be discussed below. in a method. The most important thing to remember when praying is to speak from the heart, as honestly as possible, as sincerely as possible and bring appreciation to God or whatever power you choose.
Example: Bless this meal and those who prepare it. Thank you for the meal and for coming.
Step 2. Also consider the event
If you offer thanksgiving at a holiday meal, family gathering, or informal dinner, you can adapt your prayer to fit the occasion. Even gratitude for the changing seasons can be worth saying.
- Example: I feel very blessed to be able to spend time off with all of you. Let us cherish this feast in friendship and celebration.
- Example: It's really a blessing to be able to join us here and celebrate Aunt Jan's life with all the brothers and sisters. Thank you for this meal and friendship.
- Example: What a pleasure to be able to spend time eating with all of you on this warm evening. Let us be grateful for the blessings we have received.
Step 3. Use a small anecdote
Depending on the event, tell something that can be a blessing to those who are listening. Whether you're spending time with family or close friends, birthday parties or other special days, stories like this are a lovely touch. Apart from that, saying blessings in prayer has also become a habit. If there are not too many people present, usually the names of everyone present will also be included in the blessing prayer.
- Example: I have always admired Aunt Jan as one of my role models and role models, Aunt Jan really cares about serving and she is very cheerful in the way she views her life. I will always cherish and remember the moments with him in his garden. I feel so blessed to have known someone who can inspire me as much as he did, and I am grateful to be able to celebrate his life here with you.
- Example: I feel very blessed to be able to be here today with all of you and to be able to enjoy a meal this weekend. Our prayers go out to Jason who is having a difficult week at school, and to Karen in her first few days of starting a new job, and also to all the family members who were unable to attend tonight. May they be blessed with abundant happiness.
Step 4. Keep it short
The prayer of thanksgiving is a time when all those sitting at the dining table can join hands or sit quietly in contemplation, remembering all the blessings that have been received before enjoying a meal together. This prayer should not be as serious as a speech, nor should it be so casual as a joke. A short and simple blessing prayer is the best choice. Don't think too much about the hunger level of the people present, nor the level of their obedience. Do not rush; A few simple and sincere sentences will suffice, and end with the word 'amen' or you can choose how to close the prayer yourself. The process of saying the thanksgiving prayer will be more or less like this:
- Everyone present joined hands, or bowed their heads in an orderly manner.
- A moment of silence before starting, enough to focus attention.
- Blessings or prayers, a few sentences will suffice.
- Closing. “Amen,” a Hebrew (Jewish) word meaning “so it should be” is a common ending for Christian and private prayers as well as public prayers.
Method 2 of 3: Offering Formal Prayers
Step 1. Give thanks to Allah (God) for the food and those who have gathered together
There are several short prayers that are commonly used in the Christian thanksgiving, but there is no specific prayer that is universal. No prayer is more acceptable in all circles than any other prayer. Generally, European and Catholic Churches will address their pre-meal prayers to God or “God”, while Christians who emphasize a close relationship with Christ will be more specific and will mention the name of Jesus. There are no binding rules about saying a prayer like this, so speak from the heart.
- Example: Bless this food Lord, and abide always in our hearts. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
- Example:Bless us, O Lord, and this gift of Yours which we shall obtain from Your abundance. In the name of Christ our Lord, Amen.
Step 2. Pray before and after eating at a Muslim meal
For adherents of Islam, it is customary to read a short prayer of thanksgiving before and after eating. It is very important for them to be silent and do nothing else in the prayer except to direct the prayer to Allah.
- Before eating: Bismillah wa 'ala baraka-tillah. (In the name of Allah and upon the blessings granted by Allah, we can eat.)
- After eating: Alham du lillah hilla-thii At Amana wa saquana waja 'alana minal Muslimin. (Praise be to Allah who gave us food and drink and made us Muslims.)
Step 3. Do the birkat hamazon after eating together at the Jewish table
There are many blessings for different things such as for fish, meat, and vegetables, but a Jewish meal is not complete without bread. Birkat Hamazon, which means “Thanksgiving after eating,” this prayer is usually said after each meal with bread or matzoh (a thin, crispy, unleavened bread,) this prayer is also printed in Hebrew prayer books to be sung aloud in formal occasions. This prayer is commonly said either in full or if time does not permit, only a few important points will be emphasized. Formally, the leader will start the prayer and the group will answer. The prayer that is recited is a little tricky because it is made for the blessing of different things:
- dinner: Baruch Eloheinu she-achalnu mishelo uv'tuvo chayinu. Baruch hu uvaruch sh'mo. (Blessed be our God, from whose abundance we have eaten, and from whose goodness we can live. Praise be to the Eternal God.)
- Land: Kakatuv, v'achalta v'savata, uveirachta et Adonai Elohecha alhaaretz hatovah asher natan lach. Baruch atah Adonai, al haaretz v'al hamazon. (As it is written: When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise Allah who has blessed you with fertile soil. We praise You, O Allah, for the fertile land and for the food it produces.)
- Jerusalem: Uv'neih Y'rushalayim ir hakodesh bimheirah v'yameinu. Baruch atah Adonai, boneh v'rachamav Y'rushalayim. Amen. (Let Jerusalem, the holy city, be renewed in our day. We praise You, Lord, in Your mercy You rebuild Jerusalem. Amen.)
- God: HaRachaman, hu yimloch aleinu l'olam va-ed. HaRachaman, hu yitbarach bashamayim uvaaretz. HaRachaman, hu yishlach b'rachah m'rubah babayit hazeh, v'al shulchan zeh she-achalnu alav. HaRachaman, hu yishlach lanu et Eliyahu HaNavi, zachur latov, vivaser lanu b'highlight tovot, y'shuot v'nechamot. (The Most Forgiving, be our God forever. The Most Forgiving, blessed are the heavens and the earth with You. The Most Forgiving, bless this house, this table where we have eaten. The Most Forgiving, send us the news of Elijah, the hope of goodness to come, redemption and consolation.)
Step 4. Say a recitation (mantra) that impresses you, a verse from the Vedas or a quote from the Mahabharata to bless a Hindu banquet
Hindu traditions are so different in almost every region and so diverse that it is impossible to distill these prayers into one traditional meal. Personal readings (Mantras) are usually recited before eating, which is also frequently recited is Bhagavad Vita (Especially chapter 4). A typical example looks like this:
- Brahmārpaṇam brahma havir (Brahman is offering)
- Brahmāgnau brahmanāhutam (Brahman is the one who makes offerings)
- Brahmaiva tena gantavyam (By Brahman offerings poured into Brahman fire)
- Brahma karma samādhina. (Brahman will be attainable by him who always sees him in all his actions.)
Step 5. Hold hands in silence
In many societies, including Buddhists, Quakers (a Christian association), and secular humanism movements, a moment of silence before meals is used to be quiet, calm the mind, and take inspiration from enlightenment. To pray quietly both as a group and in private, Hold hands and bow your head in silence, and quiet your mind. After a while, tighten your grip to indicate that the prayer is over, and continue to eat.
Method 3 of 3: Prayers of Blessing in Other Ways
Step 1. Informal Prayer
In more relaxed situations and conditions, it may be more appropriate to use prayers that are more direct and less humorous than solemn ones. If you're sitting around informally but still want to say a thanksgiving prayer, try these classic, resonant prayers, which are often said in places like school cafeterias and campsites:
- Example: Delicious food, good meat, God is full of blessings, let's eat (Good food, good meat, good God, let's eat.)
- Example: Lord, we know without a doubt, you'll bless this food as we pig out.
- Example: Bless this food before us set, which needs all the help that it can get.
Step 2. Toast (Toast) you're just a drunk
If you're sitting with a group of booze-boosting people, celebrate that spirit with these classic words:
- Example: May your glass always be full, may the roof of the house over your head always be strong, and may you enter Heaven at least half an hour before the devil realizes that you are dead.
- Example: If I dream of Heaven, I dream of the past / when surrounded by good friends raising a glass and toast.
Step 3. Cite poets like Emerson
You dined together at the residence of a professor of English literature? Say a prayer of thanksgiving by quoting the transcendental poet. His famous poem entitled “Grace” reads thus:
For each new morning and its light, / For rest and shelter from the night, / For health and nourishment, / For love and friendship, For all Your goodness that You have bestowed, / We give thanks. Amen
Step 4. Learn dactylology (Sign language with fingers
) In dactylology, thanks and food are directly related; The movement involves moving the hand from the mouth forward, exposing a flat palm. This culture is usually done as a substitute for saying a blessing before eating, and is also a language that means 'thank you' and 'eat.'
Step 5. Use proverbs from around the world
Knowing simple prayers of blessing that come from various foreign cultures is a good way to add a different and interesting perspective to your meal: Here are some examples of thanksgiving:
- Japan: itadakimasu (I accept)
- Latin America: To those who are hungry, give bread. To those who have bread, give hunger for justice.
- Ghana: Earth, later when I will die I will lean on you. But while I am alive, I will depend on you.
- southeast Asia: This food is a gift from the universe. Well we deserve it. Well the energy from this food gives us the power to turn all our shortcomings into something useful.
Tips
- The prayer of thanksgiving is about thanking God for providing us with food.
- If you are dining with people of a different faith, you should slightly change your prayer by not mentioning the name of Christ and only thanking God in general (Pronouncing “Lord”, “Father”, or “Our Lord” will be acceptable in all situations. belief.)
- Saying a prayer of blessing for food can be efficacious to increase nutrition or a multiplier blessing.
