A Gentle Prayer Before Eating

If you have food with you,

Gently bring it closer,

And if you don't,

Imagine a warm,

Comforting meal in front of you,

Something your body would welcome with softness.

Take a slow breath in,

Notice any smell,

Real or imagined,

Earthy,

Warm,

Sweet or soothing,

Even chocolatey.

Let that small moment of awareness relax your shoulders.

If you can,

Touch your plate or bowl,

Feel its surface,

Its stillness,

Its warmth,

And if you're imagining,

Feel the same warmth in your hands.

Your mind and body respond to intention more than perfection.

Now see your food,

Or visualize,

The colors and textures of the meal you wish to receive.

Remember how life traveled from soil to sunlight to caring hands,

And now rests in front of you.

This is not just food,

This is God's quiet offering of support.

Place one hand gently on your heart and say,

Dear Divine,

Bless me,

Bless my food,

Give food to those who have nothing to eat.

Thank you God.

Let's repeat,

Dear Divine,

Bless me,

Bless my food,

Give food to those who have nothing to eat.

Thank you God.

Now when you take your first bite,

Or when you imagine that bite,

Feel the texture,

The warmth,

The grounding energy entering you.

Know that you are connected,

You are cared for,

And every moment of nourishment is a prayer that is being answered.

Enjoy your meal.