The 37th Day in Lent- The Small Catechism- Table Blessing

Here Luther encourages families to pray together before meals.  "The children and the members of the household are to come devoutly to the table, fold their hands, and recite: "The eyes of all wait upon you, O lord, and you give them their food in due season.  You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living creature."  As the devotion points out, if only it were so easy!  Even getting children and parents to sit down for one meal together is a challenge.  Then to take time to pray before rushing off to the next activity- impossible!  But what are we teaching our children when we do such things?  What does that say about us?  So, even pausing for a brief prayer like "Come Lord Jesus, be our guest, and let these gifts to us be blessed," is a holy moment that matters.  It reminds us from whom the food before us ultimately originates.  It invites Jesus to be present and to bless the gifts.  It may be a small thing, but repetition matters.  "It is necessary repetition that works its way from our lips into our bones, convincing us that our food and our lives are pure gift."  So, whether you eat alone this day, or with others, remember to pause and gifts thanks before the meal.