It’s a long-standing custom to gather around a table for food to foster thankfulness and moments of connection between family and friends. Many decide to pray to show gratitude for the meal and companionship before they consume the food that has been supplied. A lovely approach to thanking God for His gift and asking for His blessing on the meal and the people gathered is to pray before meals.
Prayer Before Eating
Learn how to say a ‘prayer before eating’ to express gratitude, seek blessings, and bring a spiritual touch to your meals. Perfect for family and friends. Here are prayers, each with a particular emphasis, that you might say to bring God into your mealtimes.
1. A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Dear Lord, we gather together with grateful hearts, thanking You for the bounty before us. We recognize Your hand in providing this meal and the blessings that come with it. May our gratitude extend beyond this moment, shaping our lives with thankfulness.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
We thank You, Lord, for Your endless blessings and provision. Amen.
2. A Prayer for Blessing the Food
Heavenly Father, we ask You to bless this food we are about to receive. May it nourish our bodies and strengthen us for Your service. Let this meal be a reminder of Your love and care for us.
1 Timothy 4:4-5
“For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, because it is consecrated by the word of God and prayer.”
Thank You, Lord, for this food. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Unity
Lord, as we gather around this table, we pray for unity among us. Let this meal be a symbol of the love and fellowship we share. Help us to put aside any differences and come together in harmony.
John 17:21
“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
Unite us, Lord. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Provision
Dear God, we acknowledge Your provision in our lives. You have given us this food to sustain us. We pray for those who are in need and ask that You provide for them as You have provided for us.
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
Provide for us, Lord, and for those in need. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Gratitude
Gracious God, we come before You with thankful hearts. We appreciate the hands that prepared this meal and the effort it took to bring it to our table. May our hearts always be filled with gratitude for Your blessings.
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
We thank You, Lord. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Health
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your blessing on this meal, that it may nourish our bodies and keep us healthy. We pray for strength and vitality, and for Your healing touch on those who are ill.
Jeremiah 33:6
“Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
Bless us with health, Lord. Amen.
7. A Prayer for Family
Lord, we thank You for the gift of family. As we share this meal, may our bonds grow stronger. Help us to support and love one another as You have loved us.
Proverbs 17:17
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”
Bless our family, Lord. Amen.
8. A Prayer for Friends
Dear God, we thank You for the friends gathered here today. May our time together be filled with joy and meaningful conversation. Bless our friendships and help us to be a blessing to each other.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.”
Thank You for our friends, Lord. Amen.
9. A Prayer for Peace
Lord, we seek Your peace as we share this meal. Calm our hearts and minds, and let Your peace reign in our home. May this time together be filled with serenity and contentment.
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Grant us Your peace, Lord. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Joy
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your joy to fill our hearts as we gather around this table. May our meal be a time of laughter and happiness, reflecting the joy You have given us.
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Fill us with joy, Lord. Amen.
11. A Prayer for Guidance
Dear God, as we partake in this meal, we seek Your guidance in our lives. Lead us in the paths of righteousness and help us to make wise decisions that honor You.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Guide us, Lord. Amen.
12. A Prayer for Strength
Heavenly Father, we ask for Your strength to sustain us. As we eat this meal, may it give us the energy and resilience we need to face the challenges ahead.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Strengthen us, Lord. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Forgiveness
Lord, we come before You seeking forgiveness for our sins. As we share this meal, may it remind us of Your grace and mercy. Help us to forgive others as You have forgiven us.
Matthew 6:14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Forgive us, Lord. Amen.
14. A Prayer for Hope
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the hope You give us. As we share this meal, may our hearts be filled with hope for the future, trusting in Your promises.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Fill us with hope, Lord. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Protection
Dear God, we ask for Your protection over us and our loved ones. Keep us safe from harm and danger, and let this meal be a reminder of Your constant care.
Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Protect us, Lord. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Patience
Lord, we ask for patience as we navigate the challenges of life. Help us to be patient with ourselves and others, and to trust in Your perfect timing.
Romans 12:12
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Grant us patience, Lord. Amen.
17. A Prayer for Wisdom
Heavenly Father, we seek Your wisdom as we gather for this meal. Guide our conversations and decisions, and help us to seek Your will in all that we do.
James 1:5
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Grant us wisdom, Lord. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Contentment
Dear God, we thank You for the blessings we have. Help us to be content with what we have and to find joy in Your provision.
Philippians 4:11-12
“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.”
Help us to be content, Lord. Amen.
19. A Prayer for Faith
Heavenly Father, we ask for a deepening of our faith. As we share this meal, may we be reminded of Your faithfulness and grow in our trust in You.
Hebrews 11:1
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Increase our faith, Lord. Amen.
Conclusion
A potent way to show thanks, ask for blessings, and welcome God into our daily lives is to pray before meals. This prayer before eating focuses on several facets of our connection with God, covering a wide range of topics. May these prayers improve your faith, enhance your time together, and increase your gratitude for the gifts of food, family, and friends as you gather to dine.
