Prayer · Alltag|Anbetung/Dank · gemischt

Grace Before Meals

Original Prayer

Lord, we thank you for these gifts of your goodness. Bless this food and drink and us through Jesus Christ, your Son, our Lord. Amen.

Context (Old Covenant)

Traditional table prayer (church tradition, post-Reformation). Generally usable; no Old Covenant problematic elements.

What it teaches

Gratitude; acknowledging God as provider; fellowship.

Realization in the New Covenant

"Come, Lord Jesus, be our guest", a nice prayer, but: Jesus is not a "guest" at your table. He lives in you (Col 1:27). In the New Covenant:

  • ›Giving thanks for food is good and New Testament (1Tim 4:4-5)
  • ›But Jesus doesn't "come" for a visit, he's already there
  • ›Instead of asking for blessing: Gratitude that provision is reality (Phil 4:19)

Prayer in the New Covenant

Father, thank you for this food and your provision. You are not a guest at my table, you live in me. I receive with gratitude and share in love. Amen.
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