Do you pray after meals? I must confess, I do not. In fact, after many years as a Lutheran pastor, I was not even aware that Luther instructed families to pray following meals, as a further expression of gratitude for what has been received. "Similarly, after eating they should in the same manner fold their hands and recite devoutly:'Give thanks to the Lord, for the Lord is good, for God's mercy endures forever. God provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they cry. God is not impressed by the might of a horse, and has no pleasure for the speed of a runner, but finds pleasure in those who fear the Lord, in those who await God's steadfast love."
Today is Maundy Thursday, the night of the Last Supper and the betrayal of Jesus. It was a Passover meal, a meal of gratitude for God's deliverance of the people of Israel from slavery to the Egyptians. It was during this meal that Jesus gave it additional meaning, "This is my body, this is my blood." He further gave us a model of servanthood by washing the feet of his disciples. Can we ever express enough gratitude for all God has done for us? Before the meal is good. Before and after the meal is even better. Living with gratitude at all times is better still.
"Mighty and merciful God, accept our thanks and have patience when we forget our dependence on you. Amen"
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