To children, prayers may seem like an adult behavior - something stiff and formal that makes little sense. However, it is important for Christian parents to engage their child in prayer. This can be done during meal time, when grace is offered before eating.
The meal blessing is a time for Christians to present a prayer to God with a humble heart. It is an expression of gratitude to God for all that He has presented them. This request for God to bless the food before it is eaten is something of which children can be active participants. The following meal time prayers are simple for children to remember.
Using Music to Ask for Blessing
Music is a great way to teach children to say grace during mealtime. Children can use the familiar tune as an anchor to remember the words. The music can make the prayer more relevant to the child as well. These musical prayers may get children to participate in the blessing with eagerness.
To the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star"
Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything.
To the tune of "Where Is Thumbkin?"
God our Father, God our Father,
We thank you, we thank you,
For our many blessings, for our many blessings,
Amen, Amen.
Traditional Grace
Many families are likely familiar with the meal prayer that follows. Common prayers may reflect a tradition and ritual that provides comfort to some worshipers. These two prayers may be more familiar to families.
God is great, God is good.
Let us thank him for our food.
By his hands, we are fed.
Let us thank him for our bread.
Amen.
Now I fold my hands and say
Thank you God for my meal today
Bless us, O Lord, and these Your gifts,
which we are about to receive from Your
bounty. Through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Finding Inspiration from Poets
Beautifully written prayers can be found when reading through poetry and literature. Gifted authors can inspire warm, heartfelt prayer. The following blessing was written by Ralph Waldo Emerson.
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
Simple Prayer
For young toddlers, it may be necessary to keep the blessing short and sweet. They can focus on a simple thank you and request for blessing.
Come Lord, Jesus
Be our guest,
Let this food to us be blessed.
Amen.
Praying from the Heart
The value of praying for the heart is something worth teaching children. As they feel comfortable, children can be asked to offer a meal time prayer that is not rehearsed or memorized. Quite possibly, these types of prayers may have the greatest meaning to the whole family.
