A Prayer Before Meals

1 Timothy 4:4-5

1 Timothy 4:4-5 is from the apostle Paul’s letter to Timothy, where Paul answers teachers who forbade certain foods by saying that everything God created is good when it is received with thanksgiving.

Lord God, thank You for this food. Everything You made is good, and I receive this meal with thanks. Bless it, and bless the hands that grew it, carried it and prepared it. Let it give me strength for what You have for me today. Remind me of those who are hungry, and make me generous. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Scripture

“For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.”
— 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Prayer points from 1 Timothy 4:4-5

Thank God for the food in front of you.
Thank Him that every creation of God is good.
Pray for the people who grew, carried and prepared your meal.
Ask Him to use this food to give you strength for the day.
Remember those who are hungry and ask how you can help.
Receive the meal with thanksgiving, as a gift from His hand.

About this verse

In this letter Paul warns Timothy about teachers who would forbid marriage and “require abstinence from certain foods” that God created to be received with thanksgiving. Paul’s answer is short: “For every creation of God is good, and nothing that is received with thanksgiving should be rejected, because it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.” Food is not something to fear or despise. It is God’s creation, and receiving it with thanks sets it apart as a gift from His hand. That is the heart of saying grace. A prayer before eating is not a formula said over the plate; it is a moment to remember where every meal comes from and to receive it gratefully. This prayer is for anyone who wants a short prayer before eating, alone or with others, at any meal of the day.

When to pray this prayer

Before breakfast, lunch or dinner
Before a quick meal on your own
At a restaurant or on a lunch break
Before a snack with your kids
When you are eating something you are especially thankful for
When food has been hard to come by

More prayers for before meals

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