Family Prayers for Mealtimes

The “Grace before Meals” is a much-loved Catholic family prayer that is probably among the first prayers a child learns. This little prayer gives thanks to God for His provision and asks for His blessing on the food we eat so that it sustains and strengthens us. There is also the lesser known “Grace after meals” that completes the act of thanksgiving.

Grace before Meals

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

Grace after Meals

We give Thee thanks for all Thy benefits,
O Almighty God,
who livest and reignest world without end. Amen.
May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.