Family Mealtime Prayers

Scripture Prayers for All Ages and Occasions

By Dale Cangelosi, Cory Cangelosi, Caleb Cangelosi and Preschool prayers by Crystal Bowman

Herein is a sample of a few of the Prayers available in a new book, entitled, Family Mealtime Prayers: Scripture Prayers for All Ages and Occasions. This is a valuable resource for family worship. A complete copy of this resource may be purchased at: Family Mealtime Prayers.

Endorsements

"The Scriptures and the church have a long and admirable history of using written prayers for occasions like public worship, special events, and personal devotion. "Family Mealtime Prayers" is a wonderful contribution to this tradition. It gives parents and children fresh ways to express their thankfulness to God, and helps them see his provision against the backdrop of many different biblical truths."

Dr. Richard L. Pratt, Jr., author of Pray With Your Eyes Open, Designed for Dignity, and He Gave Us Prophets; Founder and President of Third Millennium Ministries.

"Mealtime prayers, for most of us, are rather perfunctory, a ritual to be observed and seldom from the heart. The authors have done us a great service in providing for us a book of Scripture-based prayers for mealtimes that turn our hearts toward God. I heartily recommend this book."

Jerry Bridges, author of The Pursuit of Holiness.

"…I'm grateful for Family Mealtime Prayers—a welcome corrective to halfhearted table routines. The book is relentlessly Godward, with worship and thanksgiving reverberating throughout its pages. I warmly recommend it."

Matt Smethurst, Editor, The Gospel Coalition.

"These prayers speak to the heart of today's children and adults, confronting them with the claims of Christ, and encouraging them with the promises of God's word, and will open wide the door to continued conversation with God."

Rev. Ed Graham, Pastor-In-Residence, Billy Graham Training Center, Asheville, NC.

Introduction

Have you ever been in a rut? They're not very easy to escape, are they? One rut most of us are in is the rut of the mealtimeprayer. We tend to say the same thing to God every time we ask the blessing at a meal with our family or friends. Maybe you pray, "Bless this food to our bodies and us to your service," or "God is great, God is good, and we thank him for our food." Whatever your prayer rut might be, this book has been written for you. The prayers in this book are meant to be used around the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table. They are based upon the Word of God, the Bible, and so they are full of variety to help you get out of your rut. They are also full of truth that is as nourishing as the food before you. As you sit down with your family each day, you can select one of the prayers offered in this book. After you have finished eating, read and discuss the Scripture passages associated with the prayer. Reflect on the truth of God's Word and apply it to your family's particular situation.

We pray that God would use these mealtime prayers not only to renew your prayer life and equip you to pray with confidence but also to reach your children with the gospel of Jesus Christ, instill Christian truths and godly character within their hearts, and draw your entire family into a closer walk with the Lord and with one another.

Adult Prayers

Day 1

God can do more than we might ask or imagine.

Thank you, Father, that through your mighty power at work within us, you are able to do infinitely more than we might ask or even imagine. For nothing is ever impossible with you. We worship you with reverence, awe, and wonder at your mighty power and sovereign rule. By your power fill us with hope, joy, and peace as we trust in you. Help us to be content with plenty and with little. Thank you for this meal you have provided for us. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. (Luke 1:37; Jeremiah 32: 27; Hebrews 12:28; Ephesians 3:20; Romans 15:13)

Day 2

God lives in unapproachable light.

We praise you Father that every good and perfect gift comes from you. In you we live and move and exist. You are the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal. You live in light so brilliant that no human can approach you. As we sit together now around this table, you give us life and breath and everything we need. Thank you for providing this meal that sustains us to live for your glory. In Jesus' name, amen. (James 1:17; Acts 17:25,28; 1 Timothy 6:15-16)

Day 3

Everything comes from God and exists for his glory.

Father, we praise and thank you. Everything comes from you and exists for your glory and by your power. Lord, there is no one like you; you are majestic and your name is mighty in power. You are our victory and our song. We will trust in you and not be afraid. We thank you and exalt you. You are our God who sustains us. Thank you for this meal that sustains our bodies, and your grace that sustains our souls. In Jesus' name we pray, amen. (Jeremiah 10:6; Isaiah 12:2; Psalms 118:28)

Prayers for Children

Day 1

I'm your child.

Thank you, Lord God, for loving me so much and letting me be a part of your big family. You are my daddy and I am your child. I pray for my Christian brothers and sisters all over the world. I pray that you would remind everyone in your family just how much you love them. Please bless this food and my family around this table. In Jesus' name, amen. ?

1 John 3:1 NKJV Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!

Day 2

I'll shine for you.

Dear Jesus, you are like the sun and I am like the moon. Everything good comes from you and I just am a reflection of your goodness. Please help me to shine so brightly with good deeds that it makes people think about you and how good you are. Thank you for giving us this food to enjoy today. Please bless it in Jesus' name, amen.

Matthew 5:16 NIV In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Day 3

Give me rest Lord.

Lord God, you are strong and mighty, and you never get tired. When I spend time with you, I feel rested. Help me to always make time to be still in your presence no matter how busy life gets. Thank you for this time now to sit and enjoy good food and fellowship. Please bless this time and give us the rest we need. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ps 91:1 NIV Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

Prayers for Little Ones

Day 1

You are near.

Dear God, I know you are never far away because you are always near to me. All I have to do is talk to you and you hear me. Thank you for being near me all the time. Thank you for the Bible so I can learn more about you. Please bless our food and drink. In Jesus' name, amen.

James 4:8 ICB Come near to God, and God will come near to you.

Day 2

I am thankful.

Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for giving me so many things. You give me food each day. You give me my family and my friends. You give me sunny days to play outside. You send rain to help the flowers grow. Thank you for being so good to me. In Jesus' name, amen.

Psalm 136:1 ICB Give thanks to the Lord because he is good. His love continues forever.

Day 3

I will praise you.

Dear Lord Jesus, I praise you because you are great. I praise you because you are good. I praise you because you made me. I praise you because you love me. Please bless my family and my food. Amen.

Isaiah 12:5 ICB Sing praise to the Lord because he has done great things.

Holiday Prayer

Valentine's Day

Love comes from God.

Thank you, Lord, that you are the giver of love. Thank you for marriage and homes and families. May the love in our marriage and in our home, be a reflection of your love for us. Help us to love others unconditionally, the way that you love us. Help us to be polite and kind and generous to one another. May we live our lives so that others will see your love in us. Thank you for everyone around this table, and help us to show our love for each other. Thank you for this food. In Jesus' name we pray, amen.

Genesis 2:24 NKJV Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

Ephesians 5:25 NIV Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.

A Prayer for Children