RPM, Volume 14, Number 39, September 23 to September 29, 2012

 

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 mealtime prayer. 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

We can come boldly into God’s presence.

Thank you, Father, that through Christ we can now come boldly and confidently into your very presence. By his death, Jesus has opened a new and living way through the curtain into heaven’s Most Holy Place. We also thank you for your goodness and gifts for our bodies, and ask that you would help us to eat with grateful hearts this day. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.  (Hebrews 10:19-21) 

Day2

Our hearts have been sprinkled clean.

  Dear Father in heaven, thank you that Christ’s sacrifice paid the debt of our sin. Thank you that when we believe in him, we are cleansed so we can come into your presence with sincere hearts. Thank you for sprinkling our hearts clean from a guilty conscience with Christ’s blood. Thank you for providing us with the food we are about to eat. Please help us to be content and generous with all that you have given us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.  (Hebrews 10:22)  

Day 3

Christ has become our eternal high priest.

  Thank you, Father, that Christ has become our eternal High Priest, and has entered the Most Holy Place in heaven itself, to appear before you on our behalf. We thank you for his finished work. We thank you for all the earthly blessings you have given us, including the food on this table. Help us to glorify and enjoy you as we eat and drink. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen. (Hebrews 5:9; Hebrews 6:20)  

Prayers for children

  Day 1

  Help me to always pray.

Dear God, you have given us many things to be thankful for, like our home, our food, and our family. We especially thank you for eternal life through Jesus. No matter how hard life gets, help us to always rejoice in you and talk with you about everything in prayer.  Please bless this food in Jesus’ name, amen. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 ESV ‎Rejoice always, pray without ceasing,

Day 2

Help us to forgive others.

Thank you, Father, for Jesus your Son, who paid for our sins so we could be forgiven. Please help us to forgive others when they sin against us. As we eat this food you have given us, please remind us that when we forgive others, we will also be forgiven. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Luke 6:37 NIV Do not judge and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Day 3

You are the prize.

Lord Jesus, sometimes I get really discouraged and nothing seems to go my way.  Help me to never give up and keep running toward you. You have good things planned for my life if I keep obeying you. I can’t wait to spend forever with you in heaven—that will be my prize. Please bless our family and this food, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Philippians 3:14 ESV I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Prayers for Little Ones

Day 1

Your angels watch over me.

Thank you, God, for angels to watch over me. I know they are with me when I play and when I sleep. Thank you that you protect me all the time. Thank you for food to help me grow. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.

Psalm 91:11, ICB He has put his angels in charge of you. They will watch over you wherever you go.    

Day 2

You will never leave me.

Thank you, Dear Father, that you are with me all the time. Thank you that you will never leave me. I know that I am never alone, because you are always here. You take care of me and give me what I need. Please bless our food. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Hebrews 13:5 ICB God has said, “I will never leave you: I will never forget you.”

Day 3

I am your child.

Dear God, you are my Father in heaven. Thank you that I am your child and that you love me. Help me to obey you and do what is right. Thank you for food to eat every day. In Jesus’ name, amen.

John 1:12 NLT To all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.  

Holiday Prayer

       Labor Day

Work enthusiastically for the Lord.

Father, we thank you for health and strength and the opportunity to work. We pray for those who are not able to find work at this time. Please provide for them and meet their needs. Lord, help us to remember that in all our work, we must work to please you rather than only pleasing others. Help us to be honest and fair and to always do our best. Remind us, Lord, that whatever we do for you and your Kingdom has eternal value and a greater purpose. At work and at home, help us to live our lives so that others will see you in us. Please bless this food before us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Colossians 3:23NLT Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.

1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.  

A Prayer for Children

Help us, Lord, in all we do,
to do our very best for you.
May we please you every day,
in our work and in our play.
When we work or when we rest,
may each and every day be blessed.
For food to eat and clothes to wear,
we thank you, Lord, please hear our prayer.

   

This article is provided as a ministry of Third Millennium Ministries (Thirdmill). If you have a question about this article, please email our Theological Editor.

 

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