Table Grace

When we were young our parents taught us to thank the Lord for the food that was being provided and the hands that had prepared it. So as tradition goes we taught our children the same thing, even incorporating in a simple prayer to memorize.

"God is great, God is good.

Let us thank Him for this food."

Each of our children did a superb job reciting this prayer. As they got older we taught them how to use their own words to pray for the meal. When our oldest son first exerted the use of his own words for "grace" we thought he was going to say he was thankful for every item that was on the table!




It was encouraging for us to see the children to grow and call on the Lord's name. It starts out as a simple memorized prayer, then turns into a walk with the Savior! Just like watching them learn to walk all over again, taking one step then another. Growing day by day!




Just recently we have had the opportunity to see our grandchildren in our own home share this same tradition. Alexis is very talkative and enjoys the chance to say the prayer.




Our first encounter with this was Thanksgiving this past year. Alexis was continuing to talk while everyone was getting quiet for her dad so he could say the Thanksgiving. He politely asked her to be quiet unless she wanted to say the prayer. She said O.K. I will say the prayer! To our surprise she did a fantastic. Thanking the Lord for food, the beautiful day and family, what more could you ask for.



It brought tears to my eyes to hear this small child, only 3 1/2 years old, give tribute to the Lord for the blessings that she saw. I am so blessed to have a family that loves the Lord and are trying to raise our grandchildren with those same traditions.



God's great example of prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven,

hallowed be thy name.

Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

as we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from evil.

For thine is the kingdom,

the power and the glory,

for ever and ever.

Amen

It surprised me the other day when we were sitting at the table and Jaxen tried to take my hand and was saying something that I didn't understand. I finally got it, he was saying "pray, pray." We held hands and he said a prayer, not that I could understand, then he said "Amen" so I knew he was done. Such a blessing to see him pray too.



As I look to the future, I see my family continuing to grow in the Lord. I thank him daily for the blessings that he has given to our family. I will continue to do my best to set the example for our kids.

There is a saying that "The family that prays together, stays together".

Lord, bless this family, be with us throughout this day, guide and protect us. Continue to bring us closer to you as we travel life's highways. In your name we pray. Amen