Grace Before Meals

"Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts" is the English form of the old Latin table blessing, Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona. It is probably the most familiar Catholic grace, the words countless families have said around the kitchen table for generations. Giving thanks before eating follows the example of Jesus Himself, who looked up to heaven and blessed the loaves before feeding the multitude, and who took bread and gave thanks at the Last Supper.

Begin with the Sign of the Cross and pray it together before every meal, at home, at a restaurant, or at a picnic. Children can learn it very early, and it makes a natural first prayer to teach them. Many families follow the meal with a grace after meals ("We give Thee thanks, almighty God, for all Thy benefits") and a short prayer for the faithful departed.

Make the Sign of the Cross and pray together when you can.

The Prayer

Bless us, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which we are about to receive from Thy bounty. Through Christ our Lord. R. Amen.

Sources: Traditional form; cf. Baltimore Manual of Prayers (1889).

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