Saying grace or giving thanks before a meal is a tradition that goes back to biblical times. Though not an explicit command, Scripture provides insight into the meaning and purpose behind this practice.
1. It is an Expression of Gratitude
Fundamentally, saying grace recognizes that all we have comes from God. When Jesus fed the 5,000, he gave thanks before breaking the bread (Matthew 14:19). By thanking God for our food, we acknowledge Him as the ultimate Provider. As James 1:17 states, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights.” Food is a good gift that sustains our lives, and gratitude is the appropriate response.
In saying grace we give thanks not only for the food itself but also for the many people involved in bringing it to our tables. As Psalm 136 makes clear, thanksgiving should be given to God “who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever.” His provision comes through both supernatural and natural means.
2. It sanctifies the meal
Saying grace sets apart a meal for God’s purposes and glory. 1 Corinthians 10:31 says, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Though eating is mundane, it can be done in a way that honors the Lord. Lifting our hearts and voices in gratitude sanctifies a meal, transforming an ordinary event into a spiritual act of worship.
This act also invites God’s presence and blessing over the food and fellowship. As Psalm 34:8 says, “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!” Saying grace is a way of tasting and seeing God’s goodness at the dinner table.
3. It serves as a reminder
Saying grace reinforces our dependence on God and need to put spiritual nourishment above physical. Jesus taught that “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Outwardly giving thanks before eating helps remind us that God ultimately sustains. It realigns physical appetites with spiritual ones.
This practice also serves as a prompt to remember those less fortunate. It fosters humility and compassion when we realize that many do not have food to eat. It provides opportunities to pray for the hungry and act in generosity (Isaiah 58:10).
4. It facilitates spiritual conversations and teaching
Families can use mealtimes as opportunities not just for physical nourishment but also for spiritual instruction. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 shares, ???And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children.??? Saying grace provides a natural segue into devotions and discussion of God’s truth.
Beyond families, Jesus used mealtimes as occasions for deeper spiritual conversations. Post-resurrection, He revealed Himself to two disciples as He gave thanks and broke bread with them (Luke 24:30-31). Saying grace helped set the tone for revelation and insight.
5. It witnesses God’s goodness to others
Saying grace serves as a public testimony and witness. Believers often said grace in Jesus’ presence, and mealtime prayers continue at church gatherings. This gives visibility and credibility to our faith. As 1 Peter 3:15 states, we should “always [be] prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”
At the same time, we must guard against saying grace for show. Jesus condemned those who prayed publicly just to be seen by others (Matthew 6:5). Our motives matter and should spring from authentic gratitude.
6. It cultivates an awareness of God’s presence
Saying grace focuses our attention on the Lord and invites conscious awareness of His presence. Jesus said that “where two or three are gathered” in His name, “there am I among them” (Matthew 18:20). Meal gatherings provide natural opportunities to sense God’s nearness as we recognize Him corporately.
Individually, saying grace centers ourselves before God. It puts expressions of gratitude and dependence ahead of self-indulgence. As Psalm 46:10 encourages, it helps us “be still, and know that [He is] God.” This cultivates right perspective.
7. It offers a chance for confession and humility
As much as saying grace gives thanks, meals also present opportunities to reflect on sin and shortcomings. Ecclesiastes 3:1 affirms there is “a time to keep silence, and a time to speak.” Silent prayers of confession and humility can accompany grace.
Scripture urges self-examination as part of Communion (1 Corinthians 11:28). In a similar way, we can use meal prayers to confess sins privately and be reminded of our salvation by grace alone.
8. Jesus did it
As followers of Jesus, we have biblical precedent for saying grace from His example. Beyond just the feeding of the 5,000, Jesus gave thanks at the Last Supper (Matthew 26:26), post-resurrection meals (Luke 24:30), and in connection with miracles like the feeding of the 4,000 (Matthew 15:36). He set a pattern for recognizing God’s provision.
Jesus also told the following parable emphasizing persistence in prayer: “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs” (Luke 11:5-8). Though not directly about mealtime prayer, it illustrates the importance Jesus placed on praying consistently.
9. It is modeled throughout the Bible
In addition to Jesus’ example, Scripture records many instances of giving thanks before meals. Acts 27 describes how Paul gave thanks publicly before a meal during a perilous shipwreck. In Luke 22, Jesus used bread and wine as symbols of His broken body and shed blood, setting the stage for our remembrance of Him through Communion.
In Exodus 16, God provided manna and quail for the wandering Israelites, instructing them to only gather what they needed daily. Before the tabernacle was built, Moses told them, “In the morning you shall see the glory of the Lord” (Exodus 16:7). Giving thanks was part of recognizing God’s glory and provision.
These and other examples reinforce how profoundly spiritual our meals can be when God is invited through prayer. Saying grace places eating within a biblical framework.
10. It is universal in the Church
Beyond Scripture, the practice of saying grace has spanned denominations and centuries. Many traditions incorporate meal prayers and mealtime liturgies. Though specifics may vary, the shared emphasis is giving God thanks and praise.
In parts of the early church, gifts of bread and wine were brought to altars as offerings. Deacons would then take these to poor widows to meet needs and facilitate Communion in homes (Justin Martyr, 150AD). Saying grace has long accompanied sharing meals within the Body of Christ.
The universal and historical practice does not elevate tradition above Scripture. But widespread, long-term observance does indicate its spiritual benefits. Customs lasting for centuries likely have meaningful significance.
11. It can take many forms
Though some common elements arise, no one ???right??? way exists to give thanks at meals. This can include:
- Silent prayer
- Spontaneous spoken thanks
- Singing
- Standard mealtime prayers
- Reading Scripture
- Rotating leadership
Jesus condemned repetitive, insincere public prayer (Matthew 6:7). But using familiar prayers is beneficial in teaching children. Creativity and sincerity both have value.
When eating alone, meal prayers can still serve as reminders of gratitude. Paul exhorted believers to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). An attitude of continual conversation with God infuses all of life.
12. It is not strictly commanded
While Scripture affirms the practice, no verse explicitly commands saying grace before meals. As such, it falls under Christian freedom and wisdom. Jesus chastised Pharisees for focusing on minor traditions while neglecting “the weightier matters of the law” (Matthew 23:23). We must be wary of legalism.
However, Jesus also upheld the importance of traditions that honored God. And preserving spiritual practices can safeguard us from excluding God. Though not required, saying grace exhibits wisdom.
13. It fosters community
Sharing meals together inherently builds relationships. Saying grace communally adds a spiritual aspect. As Acts 2:46-47 describes early believers, “Day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people.”
Studies also show that families that consistently have dinners together experience relational benefits. Adding spiritual components like saying grace enhances that. It provides a ritual gathering families around shared beliefs.
14. It develops gratitude in children
As mentioned, saying grace allows parents to teach foundational spiritual practices. Children’s minds are impressionable, and habits formed young can stick for life. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it,” Proverbs 22:6 shares.
Saying mealtime prayers can instill the importance of gratitude, dependence on God, and awareness of His gifts. It exposes them early to the blessings of slowing down to be thankful.
15. It can ground and calm the mind
In our fast-paced culture, mealtimes are often rushed affairs given little thought. They become merely opportune moments to refuel. Starting meals by saying grace forces us to pause and regain proper perspective.
This practice brings our minds back to the present moment. It helps calm thoughts that may be anxious, scattered, or distracted. Expressions of thankfulness and confidence in God settle the soul (Psalm 42:5). Slowing down to pray can establish a restful tone for the meal.
16. It ultimately centers focus back on God
Perhaps the simplest motivation behind saying grace is consciously choosing to put God first. Too often God gets placed on the sidelines of our busy lives. Taking time at meals to acknowledge Him through prayer and gratitude keeps Him at the center.
This act revolves around loving God, as Christ called the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-38). It aligns our hearts toward Him. It acknowledges dependence on His fatherly provision and care. And it bears witness to His goodness.
Saying grace before meals provides a simple but meaningful way to put spiritual nourishment before physical. It elevates glory to God above gratifying appetites. Ultimately, it centers our minds back on the Creator before enjoying His creation.
The biblical foundations and motivations behind saying grace give it rich significance. May this meaningful practice continue speaking to the deepest needs of our souls.
