Morning Meal
Lord Jesus, thank you for this day,
And for the night of rest,
And for this food, and for the way
That we are always blessed.
Midday Meal
Lord Jesus, thank you for these gifts
And what each one displays;
For your own steady love which lifts
Our hearts in midday praise.
Evening Meal
Lord Jesus, come now to our meal,
And bless to us this food;
Where faith is weak, dear Lord, reveal
That all you give is good.
Morning Meal
Our Father, every day you give
The food by which our bodies live.
For this we thank you from our heart
And pray that as we this day start,
You might allow our eyes to see
Your endless generosity.
And grant that when we thus are filled,
We may do only what you’ve willed.
Midday Meal
We’re grateful, Father, for this hour
To rest and draw upon your power
Which you have shown in sun and rain
And measured out to every grain.
Let all this food which you have made
And graciously before us laid
Restore our strength for this next hour
That we may have your fullest power.
Evening Meal
How faithful, Father, is your care;
Again as always food is there.
Again you have set us before
A meal we pray will mean much more
Than single persons filled with food;
Let there be, Lord, a loving mood.
And as you make our bodies new,
Come now and feed our oneness too.
Don’t Forget to Thank God for the Dishes!
And we should not forget that dirty dishes are an evidence of God’s grace. They represent the fact that we have food to eat, tools to prepare and eat it with, and a place to live. They are mercies. So washing dishes is not a moment for grumbling (Philippians 2:14), but a moment for gratitude. Using John Piper’s short poem form, allow me to suggest a cleanup prayer:
Prayer for Dirty Dishes
Lord Jesus, thank you for the grace
These dishes represent:
Sufficient food and living space;
Kind mercies you have sent.
