How should 'grace' be said.

[Nava]

@Mahaloth

I’m learning a lot from people here. So much, in fact, that I’ll add another question.

Does reciting a repeated “grace” tend to lose meaning for you? Having been raised in a house where we just “talked” to God openly and about anything before eating, I wonder what impact reciting a prayer would have.

Does it become more of a ritual, or are you able to maintain meaning with it?

At home, it’s traditionally the responsibility of the youngest person (I recently confirmed that this was started by Mom as a trick to keep the Gramps from Hell from saying Grace, as he was likely to use it as an excuse to pull some shit). As a kid, it means a lot that you’re doing this “grown up thing,” you’re the one who’s basically generating (not quite “giving,” not quite “getting”) permission to eat.

Which formula we choose indicates a lot. Non-PC versions are reserved for when you’re with family and friends, or with people who’ll get the joke, or for special times. When we use the non-PC version of Dad’s favorite, it’s saying “I’m thinking of Dad.” When we use the Capuchino singalong, it’s saying “party!”

The meaning is both in the prayer and in the sense of community; I don’t say grace out loud if I’m alone. And no, it doesn’t lose meaning.
Another one I remembered yesterday:
Bendice, Señor, estos alimentos que vamos a tomar y que hemos recibido de tu Divina Providencia, Amén.
Bless, Oh Lord, this meal we’re about to have and that You’ve given unto us, Amen.

[JohnGalt]

With my Boy Scout troop, we always have (force) a grace to be said before meals - a Scout is reverant and all… The generic grace for Scouts is the Philmont grace (Philmont is a nationally run backpacking camp in New Mexico):

For food, for raiment,
For life, for opportunity,
For friendship and fellowship,
We thank thee O Lord.

Recently I had to host a banquet in our community (not Scouting related) and used this as the grace, and it was well received.

[Pithy_Moniker]

I’m an atheist but grew up Christian in Alabama and have heard numerous versions over the years. Oddly, I can’t remember ever saying it myself.

At my (Baptist) grandparents house, my grandfather always said the same thing.

Dear Lord, we thank you for these blessings and all others. Amen.

When it was my grandmother’s turn though, well, let’s just hope you weren’t starving. You were in for a 10 to 15 minute prayer. She’d thank God for the food, for the good weather, for the bad weather, for keeping her car running for another week, etc etc etc. She’d go through all the names on church prayer list and their specific troubles. Let me tell you, nothing works up my appetite like hearing pleas to God to help Olene get over her colon cancer.

My wife’s family is all Catholic and their grace is the same no matter who says it. I’ve seen it mentioned in this thread a time or two already.

Bless us O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which of Thy bounty we are about to receive, through Christ Our Lord. Amen

[Misnomer]

@amarinth

There is meaning in ritual. Doing the same thing, saying the same words over and over again can give you the space to think about the words and actions rather than having to think of the words and actions. (Not saying that a person couldn’t do both - but sometimes, for me, it’s easier to contemplate when I’m not talking. Especially if other people can hear me talk.)

Sometimes, though, it can be the equivalent of small talk with a person(“Hi!” “how are you?” “fine.” “have a nice day.”). But keeping up with small talk makes it possible to have larger, deeper, more meaningful conversations later on.

Very well said!

@elbows

We all hold hands and then, once grace is over, we kiss the back of each of the hands we’re holding. It’s their tradition not ours, but I quite enjoy it, anyone else ever see this done?

My family does the hand-holding part, but not the hand-kissing part. Even though I don’t pray anymore, whenever I eat with my mom and brother I still hold their hands while they say grace.

[Dung_Beetle]

@Nava

At home, it’s traditionally the responsibility of the youngest person (I recently confirmed that this was started by Mom as a trick to keep the Gramps from Hell from saying Grace, as he was likely to use it as an excuse to pull some shit).

I am reminded of one horrible Thanksgiving when I was about sixteen years old and my icky boyfriend had given me a couple of hickeys. I covered them with makeup and a high collar, and my family was none the wiser…or so I thought until we all sat down at the table and Uncle David said grace. As he drew to a close, he added, “And dear Lord, please heal Julie’s neck.” :o :o :o

[tygerbryght]

@JohnGalt

With my Boy Scout troop, we always have (force) a grace to be said before meals - a Scout is reverant and all… The generic grace for Scouts is the Philmont grace (Philmont is a nationally run backpacking camp in New Mexico):

For food, for raiment,
For life, for opportunity,
For friendship and fellowship,
We thank thee O Lord.

Recently I had to host a banquet in our community (not Scouting related) and used this as the grace, and it was well received.

Never heard that one before, but I like it very much!