Do we have to pray before a meal? No.
However, in the course of a typical day, we have many opportunities to connect with God to thank and acknowledge Him and for His grace upon us. The most blatant opportunity to think of God is when we eat and or drink. We must eat and drink to survive.
Typically there are three times in a day to remember God when we are about to eat and how/why the food is there. Imagine going without food because there was none to eat. Have you ever stopped to think about the ease food appears on our tables? The path a hamburger takes to become a meal? Not only recognizing the farmers, butchers and bakers, but also the ‘appliances to cook with’ and ‘electricity to power the stove’. Through God all is given us … we’re nothing without Him! 1Thessalonians 5:18 - “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
We should not pray before eating as a matter of obligation or a ritual. Pray in a spirit of thanks, to bring your focus and credit to God our Creator and Provider. And after the meal, when you are full … consider Deuteronomy 8:10 - "When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee."
Did Jesus give thanks? Yes
Jesus gives thanks during a meal in Matthew 14:19 and in Matthew 26:26.
Again, are we commanded to pray in thanks for the meal before us? No, but if Jesus did it … I’m doing it.
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