Saying Grace

Saying Grace: A Tradition of Gratitude Rooted in Torah

Saying grace, the practice of giving thanks to God before eating, is a cherished tradition in many Christian households and church communities. It serves as a moment to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the provision of food and the blessings of life. This custom is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, drawing from both the life of Jesus and the Torah.

The Torah's Command to Bless

The roots of saying grace also trace back to the Torah, which emphasizes the importance of blessing and giving thanks for food. Deuteronomy 8:10 states: "When you have eaten and are satisfied, bless the LORD your God for the good land He has given you."

This verse establishes the principle of blessing God after a meal, recognizing His role as the ultimate provider. While the Torah emphasizes gratitude after eating, this principle naturally extends to offering thanks beforehand, aligning with the practice modeled by Jesus.

Jesus' Teaching on Gratitude

Jesus exemplified the practice of giving thanks before meals, setting a model for his followers. In the Gospels, we see Jesus blessing and breaking bread on multiple occasions. For example:

• Before feeding the five thousand, Jesus took the loaves and fishes, "gave thanks and broke the loaves" (Matthew 14:19, NIV).

• At the Last Supper, He gave thanks before sharing the bread and wine with His disciples (Luke 22:19-20).

These moments highlight that gratitude is not only an act of acknowledgment but also a sacred ritual that brings God into the ordinary act of eating. By following Jesus' example, Christians affirm their dependence on God for sustenance and recognize His provision in their daily lives.

How the Jews Say Grace

In Jewish tradition, saying grace involves reciting specific blessings before and after consuming food or drink to express gratitude to God. The two primary prayers are:

Blessing Your Food

"Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, hamotzi lechem min haaretz" ("Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth.")

Blessing You Water + Beverages

"Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu Melech haolam, shehakol nih’yeh bidvaro" ("Blessed are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, by whose word all things come into being.")

For short you can say: Baruch Adonai ("Blessed be the Lord) at the beginning of saying grace.

Saying grace reflects a broader biblical theme: all creation belongs to God, and humans are stewards of His blessings. When we thank God before meals, we sanctify the act of eating, transforming it from a routine necessity into a spiritual act. It reminds us to approach life with humility, acknowledging that every bite we take is a gift from the Creator.