Mealtime prayers

Yesterday I was discussing with an uncle of mine group prayer and we touched upon mealtime prayer for some time. He brought up the point that when a family member arrives late to the meal they might ask if the food has been blessed, but will almost immediately chow down. Why then not bless the groceries weekly as they are purchased, or better yet not “re-bless” leftovers. Instead of the importance being placed on our personal gratitude for our meatloaf and wonderful cheesy potatoes.
We are all to content to allow someone else to express gratitude, even while sitting at the same table. When not voice we should still let our hearts be drawn out in supplication adding our faith and sincerity with the prayer, not being distracted or wishing that something different would be said. Mormon teaches us “And likewise also is it counted evil unto a man, if he shall pray and not with areal intent of heart; yea, and it profiteth him nothing, for God receiveth none such.” (Mni 7:9) We must not be evil, by lazily expressing gratitude, for our food, or by allowing someone else to thank the Lord for us. Our true expression of gratitude is more eternally important than all of the nourishing and strengthening of our bodies in a lifetime. We must choose the better part and individually express more gratitude for our meals.

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