Blessing and Thanksgiving at Table

In the form in which they are to be taught by the Head of a family.

p. 375 Grace Before Meat

Before meat, the members of the family standing at the table reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:

The eyes of all wait upon thee, O Lord: and thou givest them their meat in due season. Thou openest thine hand, and satisfiest the desire of every living thing.¹

¹ Ps. 145:16. Otherwise rendered: “Fillest every living thing with pleasure.”

NOTE.—Pleasure (Wohlgefallen) means, that all animals receive so much to eat that they are on this account joyful and of good cheer; for care and avarice hinder such pleasure.

p. 376 Then shall be said the Lord’s Prayer, and after that this Prayer:

O Lord God, heavenly Father, bless unto us these thy gifts, which of thy tender kindness thou hast bestowed upon us, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

p. 376 Thanks After Meat

After meat, all standing reverently and with folded hands, there shall be said:

O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.¹ He giveth food to all flesh:² he giveth to the beast his food and to the young ravens which cry. He delighteth not in the strength of the horse; he taketh not pleasure in the legs of a man. The Lord taketh pleasure in them that fear him, in those that hope in his mercy.³

¹ Ps. 136:1.

² Ps. 136:25.

³ Ps. 147:9-11.

Then the Lord’s Prayer and the following Prayer:

We give thanks to thee, O God our Father, for all thy benefits, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.