The basis of the Orthodox way of life is prayer before eating, which serves as a reminder to the person that he does not live by bread alone. In prayer, people thank God for sending them food that they can share with their families.
It is worth noting that many religions have a tradition of praying before eating. Orthodoxy says that food is not meant for gluttony, but if it is blessed, then a person can receive energy for the body and mind that will allow him to learn, correctly prioritize and live righteously.
What prayer should I read before eating?
In Christian traditions, it is customary to gather at a dinner table and eat. Prayers of gratitude should not be a sermon or a joke, so the best option is a simple and quick blessing. It is important that there is an icon in the dining room.
Usually a member of the family says a prayer, while others either repeat everything to themselves or in a low voice, but in some houses there are different rules. For example, some prefer chanting. In the Christian family, the oldest member of the family receives the right to say thanksgiving because he is considered the most wise and experienced.
The rules of reading Orthodox prayer before eating:
- All the participants of the meal take their hands or each one puts his hands in front of him. The head should be bowed down. You can also find options when in Orthodoxy prayer before a meal is read standing, or being on your knees.
- Before you begin to read the prayer, you must sit in silence for a minute to tune in.
- It is not necessary to pronounce words quickly and quietly, since other family members should not listen. Only words spoken from the heart will reach God.
- Prayer must necessarily end with the word "Amen."
- Turning to God , thank him for the food and fellowship at the Christian table.
- During the reading of the prayer, it is necessary to be baptized. You can also cross your plate with food, but when it is already empty, do it, in no case it is impossible.
- After the prayer is said to rise from the table it is impossible, as it breaks the blessed circle.
Finding out what prayer to read before eating, it is worth saying that you can use known prayers, for example, "Our Father", or you can just say it all in your own words. Proposals should be concise. Let's consider an example:
"Bless this meal for our body, Lord, and let us hold You in our hearts. We pray in the name of Jesus, Amen. "
There are other Orthodox prayers before eating, for example:
"Thank you, Lord, for the daily bread and food for the good of the good. Forgive me the sin of gluttony and do not send hunger for redemption. Let it be so now, and for ever, and for ever and ever. Amen".
After gratitude to the Higher Powers was expressed, the family can start eating. In the event that guests are present at the table, it is better to refuse reading the prayer if you do not know how the invited people are related to the faith. If the guests do not mind praying in front of the table, then the head of the family who accepts people in their home should read it. When a believer is visiting or taking food in a public place, it is enough just to say thankful words about himself and not be baptized.
Another important point - many are reflecting on whether to teach your child to pray, and so the clergy recommend to do
There are prayers in Orthodoxy not only before meals, but also after meals. The text of one of them:
"Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God. Thank you for the bread and salt, as well as for the life-giving moisture. Let my satiety not become gluttony, and hunger will not come as a payment for sins. Amen".
After the prayer was uttered, it is no longer possible to eat food, so keep in mind that all members of the family should eat their portions.