Saying Grace

28 June 2026

By Pastor John - Senior Pastor

We all have habits, good and bad. Many Christians have the habit of saying grace before they eat a meal. The problem with any habit is that it can become just a mechanical response to a regular routine. Even a good habit, like saying grace, may become a thoughtless routine. I sometimes wonder if we Christians look like trained dogs, salivating over food, waiting for the one in authority to give them permission to eat.

Nevertheless, despite the danger of our prayers becoming a thoughtless routine, praying before we eat is a great habit to develop. God’s Word tells us to ‘Pray without ceasing’ (1 Thes 5:17). Saying grace provides us with yet another opportunity, often as a family, to pray to our Heavenly Father. What a privilege!

Furthermore, saying grace reminds us to be thankful. God has given us so much. Surely giving thanks for the daily provision of food is a right and proper thing to do. And whilst we’re at it, we can thank him for so much more; for family and friends, shelter, forgiveness, eternal life…the list goes on.

Dinner time in our house is relatively chaotic at the moment. There are kids to be fed, a bit of mess, and different foods arriving at different times. We don’t always get around to saying grace. But we need to keep at it. It’s a good habit.

If you’re not in the habit of saying grace, or if it’s rough and inconsistent like it is in our household at the moment, why not make a fresh start today. God delights to hear our prayers. Keep it fresh. Don’t let your prayers become a mindless routine. We’re talking to the Living God. What an honour that we should never take for granted.