The busy little gray squirrel was happily munching on some sunflower seeds someone had left. The trail is clearly marked with don’t feel the birds’ signs, but there are always plenty of seeds left around for the squirrels and birds.
This little fellow looked to me as if he were offering a prayer of thanksgiving. He had his eyes closed right up until I snapped the shot.
He got me thinking about the custom of saying “grace” or giving thanks before a meal. Why do we call it grace, and does the Bible tell us to do it?
I couldn’t find a definitive answer to why it is called a grace. From early church days, a short prayer of thanks acknowledging God’s grace and provision was called a “grace,” so perhaps that’s where it comes from.
The Bible doesn’t explicitly tell us to offer a blessing before a meal, though it does call us, in general terms, to be thankful.
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you I Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV
We do see the practice modeled in Scripture.
Jesus gave thanks after the miracles of the loaves and fishes (Matthew 14:19-21; 15:34-36). At the Last Supper, He called his followers to give thanks (Luke 24:30).
When lost at sea, Paul offered thanks for the food.
As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.”And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat. Acts 27:33-35 ESV
When we give thanks for our food, we acknowledge that all things come from Him.
Giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Ephesians 5:20 ESV
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:36 ESV
Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11 ESV
Offering a prayer of grace or thanksgiving is not a requirement given by God, but a simple acknowledgement of gratitude for His provision.
May we learn to practice gratitude.
Be blessed
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
Some Reading Suggestions
The boardwalk – what others think of Jesus. Is He the only way
Is it right belief or right living?