Saying a prayer before eating a meal, grace, is one of the oldest traditions within the Catholic Church. In praying so, we follow the examples set by Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul in the Bible, who gave thanks to God before breaking bread.
“When he said this, he took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat.” Acts 27:35
Before eating, we pray the traditional grace by acknowledging our dependence on God and asking for His blessing over ourselves and the food we are to have. Almost every Catholic knows and prayer the traditional grace said before a meal.
“Bless us, O Lord! and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty, through Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Today, however, not many Catholics know the traditional grace that is to be said after meals. The next time you sit down and ask for God’s blessing before eating, make sure to give thanks afterwards by praying the the traditional after meal grace.
“But when you have eaten and are satisfied, you must bless the LORD, your God, for the good land he has given you” – Deuteronomy 8:10
Grace After Meals
“We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits, O Almighty God, who livest and reignest world without end. Amen. May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
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Thank you Lord for the grace thst we received from thee. May we used our strength to act only in accordance to your goodness and say no word that will offend you. Thank you for the gift of life and the opportunity to receive your grace. Through Mama Mary we pray for your mercy and kindness. Amen.
I was taught Grace After Meals went like:
“We give You thanks, Almighty God, for all the blessings that we receive from thy bounty through Christ, our Lord. Amen…”
Something not far from Grace Before…