Grace (prayer)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Grace is a name for any of a number of short prayers said before a meal to bless and give thanks for it, in folk practices of Christianity and other religions. It is probably most often observed when the family is assembled at the dinner table; and also occurs in other communal settings such as summer camps and residential and parochial schools, though it is okay to pray silently or before dining alone. Reciting a prayer before eating is normally referred to as "saying grace".
This probably originated with the Jewish mealtime prayer Birkat Hamazon.
In American Christianity the head of the household often adlibs a special grace on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter while the others observe a moment of silence.
[edit] Typical Christian grace prayers
- Ecumenical. God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. Amen.
- Catholic. Bless us, O Lord, and these, Your gifts, which we are about to receive from Your bounty. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.
[edit] Other pre-meal sayings
In Japan it is customary to put one's hands together and say "Itadakimasu" ('receive' humble) before a meal.
[edit] External links
- Mealtime Prayers from The Prayer Guide
- Catholic Encyclopedia article
