St. John's Lutheran Church Founded July 4, 1775- An ELCA Congregation
Martinsburg, WV 25401 Office: 304.263.9291
FAX: 304.263.4559
Pastor James D. Riley, Jr. E-Mail: ShowFaith@AOL.com
Web:www:lutherans-showfaith.net

"NOW WE THANK THEE FOR OUR FOOD”
TABLE GRACES FOR ALL

After he had said this, he took bread; and giving thanks to God in the presence of all, he broke it and began to eat [Acts 27:35]

We gather around the table with those we love and those who love us. Our Bishop Hanson once expressed the importance of “tables” in his life: his mother’s table, the Lord’s Table, and the table he and his wife provided for their six children. We share our joys, sorrows, hopes and dreams over the comfort of food prepared and eaten in the company of those who love us. It’s a perfect time to ‘show faith’ by thanking God for providing for us. Remember that Christ, too, is at our table, so even if it’s just you for dinner, you’re not alone! The best prayers are those offered from the heart, but here are some table graces to get you started. Take turns – there are blessings here for all ages!

+ Lord Jesus Christ, As you blessed many with the five loaves and the two fishes, may we too, know your blessing as we share this food, with your peace in our hearts, and your love in our lives. Amen.

[From Martin Luther’s Small Catechism “How a Father Should Teach His Household to say Grace and Return Thanks at Meals”]
+ All eyes look to you, O Lord, and You give everyone food at the right time. You open Your generous hands and satisfy the hunger of all living things with what they desire. Lord God, Heavenly Father, bless us and these gifts, which we receive from Your generous hand, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
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+ Loving Father, we thank you for this food, And for all your blessings to us. Lord Jesus, come and be our guest, And take your place at this table. Holy Spirit, as this food feeds our bodies, So we pray you would nourish our souls. Amen.
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+ God is good, God is Great, Bow to Him, or so we pray; Give us Lord our daily bread. Amen

+ Bless, O Lord, this food for thy use, and make us ever mindful of the wants and needs of others. Amen.
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+ Thank you for the world so sweet, Thank you for the food we eat, Thank you for the birds that sing, Thank you God for everything. Amen.
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+ Dear Jesus: Thank you for this food. Bless us all and keep us from harm. Guide and direct us, through all our days. Amen.
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+ For food in a world where many walk in hunger, For friends in a world where many walk alone, For faith in a world where many walk in fear, We give you thanks, O Lord. Amen.
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+ Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, Let this food to us be blessed. Amen
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+ Be present at our table, Lord!
Be here and everywhere adored.
Your mercies bless, and grant that we, may feast in Paradise with Thee! Amen.
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+ Lord Jesus be our holy guest,
our morning joy, our evening rest, and with our daily bread impart, your love and peace to every heart. Amen.
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+ We thank Thee, Heavenly Provider, for every earthly good: for life and health and family, and for our daily food. Amen.
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+ God our Father - up above, We’re so glad to have your love. For this food we sing our song, Help to make us big and strong
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+ Our Heavenly Father, kind and good, we thank Thee for our daily food. We thank Thee for Thy love and care. Be with us Lord, and hear our prayer. Amen.
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+ Now I fold my hands and say
Thank you God for my supper today. Amen.
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