A Meal Prayer
Praising God for even the small things.
A meal prayer is said usually over dinner. Dinner prayers say thanks to God in a very special way. So many people take for granted all the small things in life day to day. We all have, even you. But right there, placed before you, is a blessing from God, and you are acknowledging his grace. Because we are all sinners, we do not deserve a single thing from him, but through the death of his son and his amazing grace towards us, he promises to provide for us. So next time your ready to "dig-in", think about how much God has sacrificed just to put that meal in front of you. So now you understand that his grace deserves praise.
A Meal Prayer Understanding why we praise God.
There's a pastor by the name of Paul Washer who really brings things into perspective for me. He brought this point to my attention. Imagine how amazing it would be to live an eternity in heaven, waking up every day and just bowing before Jesus and worshiping him until the day is over. Then waking up the next day and repeating the same thing all over again, realizing how much more you loved him than the day before. His question was "Why wait until then? You can start right now!" God demands praise from us and we are in debt to give it to him.
A Meal Prayer How important is praying in public over a meal?
Imagine your in a courtroom, guilty of manslaughter, robbery and car theft. I mean, really PICTURE YOURSELF THERE. You know that you broke the law and you will be found guilty. Your facing a possible lifetime sentence. Sweat dripping down your face as the judge is ready to give you your sentence. All hope is lost, right? A man walks into the courtroom that you've never seen before. He tells the judge that he has a great love for you, and wanted to serve your sentence for you! The judge allows this, and you are now a free man! How would you feel about this man, who has just paid your penalty for you? You would bow down and worship him in front of millions! Jesus did just that when he died on the cross. He paid your penalty. Apply this to your prayer life. Why do you care what other men think? God has shown you an incredible amount of grace, and deserves praise in public as well as privacy. I strongly encourage you to pray wherever you are.
A Meal Prayer What should I say?
 Dinner prayers are the perfect opportunity to thank God for what he's provided right in front of you! It's not always best to say the same dinner prayer over and over again; each should be unique! Until you develop your own understanding of what to say to God, try this:
Dear God, Thank you for providing this meal, it is surely a blessing. I may not always see it, and will never completely understand it, but I know that you are always working behind the scenes to provide, just as you promised. Thank you for this day, and please allow me every opportunity to serve your kingdom. Please watch over my loved ones, and help them to grow in ways that will please you. In Jesus' name, Amen. Try to say a meal prayer not only when you eat dinner in the privacy of your own home, but also at every meal including the ones you eat in public. Maybe somebody far from God will see this, and will cause their heart to change. If you have any questions or comments, please contact me. My greatest secret is...  Stumble It!
Return FROM "a meal prayer" TO "prayers"

|