Blessing our food before eating is an ancient practice, following Christ's own example of giving thanks. This simple prayer sanctifies our meals and reminds us of God's providence.
Traditional 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.
Latin (Benedic, Domine)
Benedic, Domine, nos et haec tua dona,
quae de tua largitate sumus sumpturi,
per Christum Dominum nostrum.
Amen.
Note: This blessing echoes Christ's actions at the multiplication of loaves (Matthew 14:19) and the Last Supper. It is one of the most common family prayers in Catholic homes.