“Bless us, O Lord,
and these your gifts,
which we are about to receive
from your bounty.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen”
Grace before and after meals should never be neglected.
I know of a person who has the Spiritual Gift of seeing demons. To me this would be a scary and overwhelming gift. But, then, God doesn’t give anything as a curse. “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead?” Luke 11:11. So, if God has given this gift, it is for a reason and backed by His Power. Anyway…
There was a story I had heard of a time this person went to dinner with another. The waiter placed their meal before them and this person stopped and sat staring at the plate. She saw demons on the food on the plates. Her companion asked, “what’s wrong? Do you see something?” She replied, “are you going to bless the food?” They said grace and the demons she saw the demons scatter.
Grace before meals takes on a whole different meaning when seen in the light of this story. I know many may not say grace before meals even within their own homes. Unfortunately, society today has so many Christians conformed and afraid to pray in public. This is an unwarranted shyness and fear. ““Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you.” Acts 4:19
It is not to be seen that we pray in a public restaurant. We pray to give thanks to God, “from Whom all blessings flow.” And in light of this story, for protection.
“Oh come on, Ed. Demons aren’t real.” Oh, yes they are. I have seen firsthand the actions of demons. By the grace of God, we were in position each time to defend ourselves. And, in today’s culture, there are more people practicing the occult willingly and unwillingly than maybe ever before. And, those who are calling upon and following the occult are very bold.
Do you think there is no chance at all of a food preparing casting black magic upon your food? That doesn’t mean food at home is safe. Someone prepared it unless you hunt and butcher it yourself.
So, now this simple little prayer takes on the power of a mighty weapon. “Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts…” brings the powerful blessing of God upon both the food and yourselves. This simple little prayer is now weaponized and has the power to cast out demons.
Say grace, before every meal – and, for those who like me, enjoy snacking say it even before you consume those chips or that candy bar.
No matter where you are. Alone or in a busy restaurant or at a catered dinner, say grace.
When we go out with several of our close friends, we all say grace out loud when dinner is served to us. Again, not to be seen by anyone but God. And, maybe to tick off the occasional demon.
This simple prayer also gives you extra time in the Presence of God. In a sense, you are even inviting Him to be present with you during the meal. The more you pray and draw closer to God, the more God can draw close to you.
And, just a little extra, not often prayed. At the end of the meal, give thanks again.
“We give Thee thanks All-Mighty God, for all the benefits which we have received from Thy bounty through Christ our Lord. Amen”
Do you say grace before and after every meal, big or small? It’s simple, start today.